The Guardians' Keeper

         She plodded along the narrow lane. The trees lining the rarely used path were nearly naked. A howling wind the night before had stripped them of foliage and scattered the leaves across the forest floor. The wind had died, but it was chill and damp. The grey clouds were heavy with the threat of storm.

         The weather matched her mood. Her head drooped with the weight of her world. They had turned her out: too old to count as a youngling, not yet old enough to make her way in the world alone, no one to step up and sponsor her. So she wandered the forest praying for rescue or release.

         It was too early in the season for the bitter cold. If the bitter cold came she could lie down and let it take her gently, but no, she wasn’t that lucky. The nights were too cold to be comfortable and too warm to be useful. She hung in limbo yet again.

         I guess I should be grateful it lasted this long. There is something to be said for being so small. But in the end even being small didn’t help. She started her courses and that gave it all away. They were kind but firm. They couldn’t afford to feed and care for her without the subsidy and she was past the age. They couldn’t afford to pay her to help around the house either. Times were too hard for that. She had to strike out on her own, will she or nil she.

         “So here I am walking down a stupid road that isn’t even big enough to serve a small village let alone a town big enough to offer a place.” She stumbled and sighed and sat right where she was. I haven’t seen a living soul in two days. Might as well sit. She dropped to a seat right in the middle of the path and pulled out the napkin bundle the Mrs. gave her just before she left.

         “It’s not much,” the kind woman had said, “but it should see you through a few days if you are careful.” Then she hugged her and scurried back into the house before the Mr. saw. He wouldn’t like it that she’d been given food. Mr. was the hard one. Mrs. would have had her stay.

         Two lumps of crushed bread sat in the bottom of the bundle with a few dried apple slices, a crumbling wedge of hard, white cheese and a bit of smoked meat. They were all she had left.

         “One more meal,” she muttered. “Then it’s slow starvation for sure.” Better save some. I’m not quite ready to eat over ripe berries left on the bush and slugs too slow to run.

         She tucked a bit of wrinkled apple in her cheek and forced herself to stand. She pulled her shawl a little closer around her shoulders and started walking again. The long afternoon stretched before her. She trudged along, numb and as unaware as if she were in a trance.

         She almost stumbled over him before she realized he was there and real.

         She froze.

         He sat neatly in the center of the path. Head up. Alert.

         His coat was a shining patchwork of midnight, copper and frothy cream. His pointed ears were perked up. A line of white dashed down his face between his eyes, then spread out to cover his nose right down to its black button end. He appeared to almost smile at her. At least he would have if he hadn’t been gently but firmly holding a squirming kitten in his mouth. His warm brown eyes met hers.
Intelligence was written within.

         She stood where she was watching the pair in front of her. The snowy white kitten wriggled and mewed to be let loose, yet it was obvious the dog wasn’t injuring her in any way.

         “What are you two doing here?” she asked at last unsure of the protocol of addressing a strangely intelligent dog with a kitten in his mouth. The dog continued to watch her closely.

         “You both look far too well cared for to be wild,” she observed. “Are you lost?”

         The dog shook his head in the negative, careful not to jostle the kitten. She took a few steps closer. The kitten ceased her struggles and watched the girl approach. She stopped an arm’s length away, still not quite sure if the large dog meant her harm.

         He sat statue-like, waiting.

         “Are you hungry?” His eyes brightened. “You must be hungry so far away from your home. I know I am. I don’t have much, but I’ll share. I couldn’t stand the thought of you going hungry. I know I hate that myself.

         “Oh my! I’m rambling. I’m sorry. I always ramble on when I’m nervous.”

         The dog and the kitten waited: quiet, patient.

         She plopped down at the side of the road and opened her food bundle. She pulled out the bit of smoked meat. “It’s not much,” she said, "but you can have it."

         She held it out to the dog. He gingerly stepped forward and lowered his head. He dropped the kitten in her lap and so very carefully took the bit of meat from her. She noticed that he didn’t gulp it down but slowly gnawed it soft.

         The kitten nuzzled in her lap and mewed again. She offered her bits of crumbly cheese. The kitten ate daintily, purring the whole time.

She laughed. “I don’t know how you can possibly eat and purr all at the same time, you silly little fluff ball.” The kitten looked up at her with sapphire blue, crystal clear eyes and purred louder. She stroked the soft fur and cuddled the baby animal close. The kitten fell asleep in her arms.

         “I don’t have any more meat,” she told the dog. “Would you like a bit of bread?” She held out the largest piece. He took it carefully and ate it with great care and dignity. She nibbled on the last piece as she sat watching him.

         He wandered over and nuzzled her face with his head, his tail wagging rhythmically. His fur was silky soft and sweet-smelling. She leaned into him, thankful for the solid comfort of his presence.

         “You’re welcome,” she said to the feeling that he was thanking her for the meager meal. This time he did smile at her.

         They sat in companionable silence. The kitten slept on. Neither seemed inclined to break the fragile magic of their encounter. The wind picked up and the sky darkened. She began to worry.

         “I don’t think it’s safe here anymore. The storm is coming.” She gathered her shawl around the sleeping kitten and stood. The dog carefully picked up her food napkin without spilling any of the remaining apple slices and lifted it to her.

         She took it. Before she could pull her hand away the dog took it gently in his mouth. She froze as panic welled up inside. His sharp teeth glowed shining white just beneath his lip. She trembled.

         Suddenly the sleeping kitten began to purr. The dog slowly started forward pulling her along. She had no choice but to follow. His grip on her hand wasn’t hard enough to pain her but it offered no release. If she wanted to keep her hand she had to go with him.

         The sky grew steadily darker and more ominous, a glowering gray that bode no good. The wind grew to a menacing howl. It ripped around the trio digging and pulling at them, trying to drive them off the trail. The dog never wavered. He led them steadily on. The rain fell. Icy darts that stung and pierced and chilled her to the bone everywhere except where the kitten snuggled close under her shawl.
The dog seemed undisturbed by the fierce weather. His fur didn’t even look ruffled let alone wet. In a distant part of her mind she wondered about that as she slogged on.

         It seemed they walked for hours. Night was upon them. Darkness wrapped the forest in a wet and windy shroud that gave no comfort.

         She felt the dog tug her hand in a different direction. She followed. The path he turned her onto was sheltered and close. A spicy pine scent rose up to tickle her nose with each step. They were protected from most of the wind and the rain here. She paused a moment. The dog dropped her hand as if he understood her need to catch her breath. He snuggled up close to her leg and waited patiently.

         The kitten slept on.

         The dark was nearly absolute. She shivered in fear and uncertainty. The dog nuzzled her hand. His wagging tail brushed her leg with softness, rustling her bedraggled skirts and tickling her ankle. She sighed and petted his head marveling at the pure clean feel of him. He took her hand once again and started forward.
In spite of the dark the going was easier. The path was smooth. No branches reached out to grab or entangle them. She was glad for the ease of their passage. Weariness seeped into her every muscle and joint. She longed for a soft spot to lie down and drift into sleep. The dog gently shook her hand as if he’d read her mind and was telling her not yet. She trudged on.

         It was several minutes before she realized the wind and rain were completely gone and the air around her was warm. The muscle ache caused by the cold had eased and she found it easier to walk and move. She straightened and took a moment to check on the kitten. A pair of blue eyes looked up at her.

         “Oh!” she exclaimed. “I can see you. It’s not so dark.” She looked around. Behind her the tunnel-like pathway extended a short way and then disappeared in blackness. In front of her it seemed to expand and get even lighter. “Are we almost there?”

         The dog let go of her hand and nodded an affirmative. He trotted ahead and paused, looking back to see if she was following.

         “I’m coming,” she promised after checking to see that the kitten was still snug and safe. The little fir ball purred in her sleep. The girl caressed the silky warm fur and smiled softly. She loved the kitten already. She stepped forth briskly surprised at the surge of energy that bounded through her limbs.

         The dog trotted on pausing periodically to allow the girl to catch up. Gradually the tree branches thinned to a lacy weaving overhead that highlighted rather than hid the bright shining stars. The girl noticed the magical tracings of the branches overhead, the rustlings of soft green leaves telling tales on a gentle night breeze. The air smelled rich and alive with new growth.

         The girl froze. What is this place? It’s almost winter. How can it be so warm and fresh here? I swear I smell late spring flowers. “Dog, where are we? This place is magical. I don’t belong here!”

         The dog trotted back to her and gently took her hand in his mouth once again. He led her forward. The path they walked shone silver in the bright twinkling starlight. She followed along twisting her head this way and that soaking up the beauty of the clearing they had entered.

         The dog walked slowly letting her look her fill.

         He led her right up to the door of a dainty little cottage. He dropped her hand and sat neatly in front of the door. It was painted bright blue and split in the middle. The top half was open. She could see a cheery fire dancing on the hearth. A small table was set with a bowl, a spoon and a cup. One lovely blooming rose in a silver vase was in the middle of the table. Its scent wafted through the door. Off to one side a bed was made up with fat feather comforters, pillows and a flower embroidered quilt. A braided rag rug in a rainbow of color covered the middle of the lovely room.

         “It’s so beautiful,” the girl whispered.

         The dog pushed the bottom half of the door open with his paws. She stood and stared with longing in her eyes. He sat beside her, waiting patiently for her to enter first.

         “I wish this was my place,” she signed. The dog took her hand once more and tried to lead her in. For the first time, she resisted. “I can’t go in there. This is someone’s home.”

         The dog shook her hand a bit and tugged a little harder. She still didn’t budge. He let go. Before she knew what he was doing he trotted behind her, put his head in the middle of her back and shoved. Not expecting anything of the sort, she was taken by surprise and stumbled into the little cottage. She stood in the middle of the room and turned slowly filling her heart and soul with the wonder welcoming feeling emanating from every corner of the room.

         The kitten stretched in her arms and jumped into the middle of the bed. She pushed the covers around to make a nice nest for herself and then curled up. She cocked her head and watched the girl with an intense blue gaze.

         “Oh dear,” the girl gasped. The dog wandered over and lay down by the hearth. He too watched her closely.

         The smell of meaty stew drifted from the bowl on the table. Her stomach rumbled its emptiness.

         “I’m really hungry,” she muttered. I’ll bet you two are too.” She sighed and looked around the room. Stacked neatly on one side of the mantle she saw a second bowl and a saucer. “I hope the owner won’t be angry when she returns,” she said as she walked to the mantle and took the bowl and saucer down.

         She carried them back to the table. First she scooped half of the stew into the bowl and set it in front of the dog. Then she poured half of the milk in the cup into the saucer for the kitten. She put it on the floor, then scooped the kitten from the bed and set her in front of the milk. The kitten purred as she lapped up the milk.

         The girl laughed. “You are the silliest kitten I’ve ever met. Purring and eating at the same time.”

         Once she assured herself that her new friends were happy she sat down to eat herself. In a dark corner of her soul she worried that she’d still be hungry after only a half a bowl of stew and half a cup of milk. But she took a moment to thank whoever owned the little cottage and prayed they’d not be angry that she’d eaten their supper before she dove into the stew.

         It was rich and savory and she made herself eat slowly and enjoy every bite. “This is just about the best meal I’ve ever eaten she told her furry companions.” To her surprise the bowl and cup were not empty until she felt quite full.

         She sighed then looked around for a way to wash up. Standing by the side of the fireplace was a bucket partially filled with water. It was warm with the warmth of the fire. Sitting in a shallow crock bowl she discovered a dish cloth and a bar of soap. She gathered up her own dishes and those used by the dog and the kitten and made quick work of cleaning them all. She stacked them neatly on the mantle. Then she went back and washed as much road dirt off of herself as she could manage with just a bucket and a bit of soap. She found a towel hanging on a hook by the fire. She dried off.

         “Well in for a farthing, in for a crown,” she muttered. She pulled a quilt off the bed and spread it in front of the hearth. “You look too big to sleep in the bed,” she told the dog. Then she tossed one of the pillows down beside the quilt. This should make a nice bed for you.”

         When she returned to the bed, she saw the kitten curled up sound asleep in the middle. She smiled softly, then she carefully slid under the covers, taking great care not to disturb the kitten. She was sound asleep, warn and cozy, herself and didn’t notice that the fire banked itself until the coals glowed brightly, the door barred itself and the shutters closed and locked themselves, making the little cottage secure.

         The kitten and the dog exchanged knowing glances before drifting off to sleep again.

* * * * * * * *

         The morning sun streaming through the little window woke her. She was confused at first not remembering where she was until she heard the little kitten purring. She sat up and looked around.

         The bowl, spoon and cup sat on the table once again. The enticing aroma of breakfast teased her out of bed. She turned and straightened the covers and quilts before turning to her meal. Once again she took the saucer and the second bowl from the mantle. She poured more milk in the saucer and scooped some of the porridge into the second bowl.

         “I’m sorry she told the dog. There doesn’t seem to be any meat for you.” The dog wagged his tail and lapped up porridge as soon as she set the bowl down. “Hmmmm,” she said. “I guess you like porridge.” She set the saucer down. The kitten pounced on it and lapped it up eagerly.

         The girl sat and slowly ate her own breakfast. The porridge was liberally laced with ripe hedgeberries and swimming in sweet cream. Flecks of cinnamon floated on top of the rich cream. To her surprise a plate of sausages sat next to the cup. She snagged three of them off the plate and dropped them in the dog’s bowl. She cut up a fourth one and scooped it into the kitten’s saucer.

         The three of them ate in companionable silence. Birdsong danced on the air, pirouetted into the door and twirled through the little cottage. The lush scent of spring flowers wafted on the morning breeze. The girl sighed and ate her meal slowly. The dread of having to leave the lovely sanctuary weighed heavy on her soul. When her meal was done and she was pleasantly full once again she sat back in her chair and just listened.

         This is the most beautiful place I’ve ever been. Who lives here? I wonder who fixed the great meals. She looked over at the dog. He was sitting in the open doorway. The slight breeze ruffled his fur. His tail flicked back and forth lazily. The kitten bounced back and forth trying to pounce on the dog’s tail. She laughed at their antics.

         “Well,” she sighed, “I’d best be getting things picked up here and get moving.” She gathered up all their dishes and washed them as she did the night before. Then she carefully remade the bad and folded the quilt neatly across the foot. “Sure hope the owner doesn’t mind that you slept on the pillow last night,” she told the dog.

         He woofed quietly in reply.

         She pulled the bucket of wash water out and carefully scrubbed the floor. The she went out and swept the little porch off. She went back in and gathered up her shawl and her small napkin bundle.

         “I’m sure glad that was a big breakfast,” she said. “It should keep me going a long time.”

         The dog sat watching her. The kitten romped across the little clearing chasing butterflies. The girl stepped out side and turned back to make sure the little cottage was as neat as she’d found it. She paused a moment then ran to the edge of the clearing and picked a handful of the daisies that bloomed at the foot of the pine tress. She took them back in and settled them in with the rose.
         Then she pulled both halves of the door closed behind her.

         The dog sat square in the middle of the little step that led off of the porch. He presence surprised her.

         “What are you doing, you silly?”

         The dog searched her face with knowing eyes.

         “You live here, don’t you?” He seemed to nod an affirmative.

         She turned away and watched the kitten. The little white ball of fluff sat in the sun carefully grooming her tail fur. She looked up with that strangely piercing sapphire gaze. A tear rolled down the girl’s face.

         “You can’t go with me.”

         She squatted down and hugged the dog around the neck. He gave her ear one lick and leaned his head against her shoulder. She stayed that way until she felt the kitten crawl up onto lap. She curled around and snuggled into the nest her skirts made between her legs. The kitten began to purr.

         Sobs tore at the girl’s throat. She clutched the kitten and hugged her. Then she very carefully set her on the porch next to the dog.

         “I can’t keep you,” she cried. “This isn’t my place. Your owner will come home again and would be lonely without you.” She petted the dog again and squared her shoulders.

         “I’ll never forget you,” she told them. “This has been the most wonderful night of my whole life.” Tears were pouring down her face and she could barely see.

         She picked up her napkin bundle and started down the pine covered path. She forced herself to only look forward. If I look back I’ll never be able to leave here.

         Her vision was lured by her tears.

         Once again she was glad of the smoothness of the path. She sung in her despair and didn’t think about where she was putting her feet.

         The tunnel-like path seemed to go on forever. She had no idea how long she walked and stumbled along. Her sadness was wrapped around her like and clinging vine. It’s didn’t occur to her that she’d been walking far longer than they’d walked the night before.

         Finally she noticed that it was getting dark. Hunger began to gnaw at her stomach.

         I should be back to the old pathway by now. I’m lost! I must have taken the wrong pathway away from the cottage. Only thing to do now is turn around and go back. Can’t say I’ll be sorry to see the cottage again. Maybe the dog and the kitten will still be there.

         Oh but it will be so hard to leave them again. How will I ever be able to do it?

         She sat on a convenient rock nestled at the side of the path under a huge blue pine. The air around her was still spring-time warm. Birds were singing their good night songs overhead. She opened her napkin bundle and was surprised to see a large ripe red apple, a slice of fresh ham wrapped in bread and a wedge of soft cheese. She nibbled a bit of the cheese and put the rest back in the napkin.

         This place is magic. I wonder if I offended someone by coming in here. Maybe I’m doomed to wander these paths forever. At least the Master here sees fit to feed me. But I think I’ll save some just in case.

         If I end up back at the cottage I’ll need something to share with the dog and kitten if they are still there.

         Suddenly the idea of seeing them again was overwhelming. She jumped up from the rock and raced back down the path the way she had come. Within only a few moments the foliage overhead began to thin and the sunset painted colors of the sky shone through.

         “That is so beautiful,” she exclaimed as she raced down the pathway.

         A few minutes more and she saw the pathway widen. The dog sat wagging his tail just where the path opened into the clearing for the cottage. She ran to him and flung her arms around his neck.

         “I’m so glad you are still here,” she cried. “Where’s Kitten?”

         A furry white bundle leapt into her arms, purring so hard her ribs were vibrating. “Oh, it is you!” the girl cried. She hugged the little cat and nuzzled her face against her silky shining fur.

         Quickly she grabbed her napkin bundle and opened it.

         “Dinner for you,” she said as she handed the ham to the dog and broke off bit of cheese for the kitten.

         A rustling in the brush behind her startled the girl. She twisted around putting herself between the disturbance and the dog, as she snatched up the kitten and tucked in her shawl.

         “Be at ease, young one,” a kindly voice urged as a tall, elegant lady dressed in green stepped out from between the trees.

         “No one will harm you or those you are seeking to protect,” said an ever taller man who stepped out beside her.

         The girl just stared.

         “Is th. . .th . . .this your c. . . c . . .cottage?” she stammered. "I didn’t mean to intrude. But we were all so tired and hungry, and the storm came and he brought me here and I just had to take care of them. And the door was open and he pushed me in and . . . and . . .

         “Oh dear,” she sighed. “I’m sorry. I’m rambling again. Mrs. says I always do that when I’m nervous. And I’m very nervous right now.” She just stopped talking and hung her head, all the while absent-mindedly petting the purring kitten.

         “I’d say they found their new care-taker,” the man said with a joyful laugh.

         He reached over and ruffled the dog’s fur around his ears.

         “I think perhaps you‘re right,” the woman answered. She carefully watched the girl snuggle the kitten. “Young lady,” she addressed the girl, “I expect you realize that this is an enchanted wood, as is the cottage you guested in last night.”

         The girl looked up. “Yes, Milady. I do. I didn’t mean to intrude”

         “Child,” the man said gently. She looked to him quickly. “You cannot intrude upon this place. Only those who are truly selfless and kind can be brought here by the Guardians. You are an invited guest.”

         “Ohhh!” The girl’s face lit up with a smile. “I was so worried . . .”

         “You have nothing to worry about my dear,” the woman said. “Now please allow me to ease you further. These creatures that you see as a dog and a kitten are the Guardians of this place. It is the heart of a very special magic that sustains out world. I am the Lady Arilia and this is my Lord Kastain. We are the keepers of the gate between our worlds.”

         “You’re from the fairy world?”

         “That is the name your people know it by,” Lord Kastain answered.

         “Oh dear,” she gasped and clutched the kitten tighter. The kitten mewed and nudged the girl’s chin.

“There is nothing to fear,” Lady Arilia assured her. “She who you hold in your arms is Mystaline. She is our Guardian of growing things and caring hearts. The one at your side is Galattan. He is our Guardian of the gates, the ways and the earth.

         “Together these two keep this place that our worlds remain connected and yet secure.”

         The girl looked at Lady Arilia in stunned wonder. “What does all of that have to do with me?”

         “Our Guardians cannot do what they need unless they have someone to care for them and keep them company – to love them. Without love they will wither and die. This gate will close and both of our worlds will be weaker for the loss,” Lord Kastain said. “You are the key that will keep them healthy and happy, the key for the gate between the worlds.”

         “Me! But I’m a nobody orphan with no home and no place to go.”

         “Oh no, my dear,” Lady Arilia Knelt and clasped the girl’s hands. Mystine jumped down and sat primly at her feet. “You are the chosen of the Guardians. When you were alone and hungry, you gave generously of your meager meal with no thought for yourself. When you reached comfort and security you saw to their needs and comfort before your own. When honor bade you leave you washed their faces in your tears and left part of your heart behind in their care.”

         “When you realized, you were lost your soul leapt in joy to know you had to return and see them again, and wept at the thought that you would have to tear yourself away from them once more. Your first act on seeing them was to see to their needs. No one could be more suited to being their care-taker than one who so selflessly gives of herself.”

         “But that wasn’t anything special. They are so wonderful and they were all alone. How could I not care for them?”

         “That is just it,” Lady Arilia said. “Many have come this way who cared only for themselves. Either they spurned the Guardians at their meeting, or they forgot them once they all reached the shelter of the cottage.

         “None of those found their way back here. Some actually had to be forced to leave.”

         “I don’t know what to say. I never thought of myself like that. I just do what is needed to keep living.”

         “You do not do your self justice, young maid,” Lord Kastain said.

         “The Guardians have chosen you,” Lady Arilia said. “Will you accept the burden of their care and protection?”

         “That’s no burden,” the girl exclaimed. “I would love to care for them. What do I need to do? I don’t have any place to live and I have no idea how I’ll provide food for them. But I’ll do my best to care for them.” She reached out and hugged Galattan.

         Lady Arilia’s silver laughter rang forth. “My dear, you don’t understand. As the Keeper of the Guardians this will be your place. Everything any of you need will be provided by the magic of this place. As long as you remain true to your calling you will want for nothing.”

         “That seems like an awful lot just to take care of Mystine and Galattan,” the girl said.

         “She is wise also,” said Lord Kastain. He looked at the girl carefully. “For all good there is a price to pay.”

         “I thought so,” she said. “What is it?”

         “Practical too,” he added.

         “Once you accept you can never leave this place. You may roam this wood and you may interact with all who are allowed to enter here. But you must always stay. Mystine and Galattan will always be with you and we will come often, as will others of our world. But there will be very few of your world who will be allowed to enter here.”

         “You will become one of us, as we are,” Lord Kastain added. “Your life will stretch on and on unless you ask for release. That release will mean that you are taken on never to see any of us again.”

         The girl walked away from them for a few minutes. She turned and looked at them waiting: the Lord and Lady tall and beautiful and yet reachable, the dog and kitten so much more than they appeared to be. Already her love for them filled her entire heart.

         “Is that everything, or is there more?” she asked walking back.

         The Lord and Lady smiled. “You’ve chosen very well this time,” she said to the two resting at her feet. The dog looked up and grinned at her, his tail wagged vigorously.

         “There is one other thing. And that is all. I promise.” said Lord Kastain.

         “But it is a very large thing,” Lady Arilia said.

         “What is it?”

         “There are times you may have to do battle to protect these you love,” lord Kastain said “You may have to choose their safety and that of our land over your own life. You may even be required to die horribly, But . . .” He held his hand up to forestall her objections. “. . .That has not happened in many centuries. Our world is secure.”

         “That kind of evil has not been seen in eons. There is no reason to think you will be called upon in that way.”

         She looked at the royal beings standing before her. Then she looked at the Guardians. Her heart overflowed with love for them.

         “I can’t leave them,” she said simply. “Never in my life have I known such acceptance or such love. I think there is no price you could ask of me that would drive me away. I need them perhaps even more than they need me. And that I hate to admit is probably greedy and selfish on my part, but I don’t think I could live without them and I know I don’t want to try.”

         The kitten jumped up and scampered about at her words. The dog wagged his tail even more vigorously. The girl kneeled and held her arms open to her friends. They ran to her.

         “Well said young lady,” said Lord Kastian.

         “Hold out your hands,” Lady Arilia instructed. When the girl did so a golden key appeared across them.

         “Do you freely accept this key and the responsibilities entailed in its possession?”

         The girl looked at the glowing key and smiled. “I do accept it and the responsibilities. I do so willing with all of my heart.” She closed her hands tightly around the key.

         The Lord and Lady clasped hands and looked deeply into each other’s eyes with shining smiles. They reached out and each laid a hand on one of the girl’s hands.

         “Then I name you Keeper of the Guardians,” Lord Kastain said.

         “And I name you Home Again At Last,” Lady Arilia said. “Arise long lost daughter and take your place among your family.

         The girl stood stunned.

         Lady Arilia took the key and placed it on a golden chain. She lifted it over the girl’s head and settled it around her neck. A golden glow surrounded the girl. When it faded she stood clad in green nearly as tall as the Lord and Lady. Lost memories washed over her.

         “Arieanna, my dearest daughter, how I have missed you,” Lady Arilia said. She opened her arms to her daughter. “Welcome home.”

         Arieanna rushed into her parents’ warm embrace. The dog wagged his tail. The kitten purred. And the key glowed softly on the breast of its rightful Keeper.