Power In Flats Road Essays - Ethel Wilson, Hetty, Hetty Feather

Power In Flats Road The ending in the novel Hetty Dorval written by Ethel Wilson the ending that is created appears to have little narrative closure to the reader. However, there is the idea that the ending could be symbolic and relate to other aspects of the novel. Upon a first reading the ending is not entirely satisfying, yet once one looks at the minute details that are present in the ending a sense of reflection and realization of the truth in this novel takes place. The ending in Hetty Dorval when first read is not entirely satisfying since there is little closure created for the reader. The reader does not put down the book and think about the brilliant or tragic ending of the characters, but rather, is left to think about what happens in the lives of the characters. Since Hetty and Frankie are present throughout the entire story, and they are constantly interacting with the reader, one does wonder when the novel comes to a close about their fate. All that is left for Wilson's audience to understand about the two characters is the idea that Hetty and Frankie go their separate ways, and a war begins in Vienna. When such an intimate view into the life of two characters is created, this idea of the two just going their separate ways is not satisfying. There is still the urge to want to know about what happens to them in their separation, and in their new lives. Although Wilson's intent was obviously to end the story in this manner, and by her addi ng on to the novel would dramatically increase the length of this short book, something more is still needed in order for the reader to have complete closure with the two main characters. Although the ending does not allow closure for the reader, it is possible for the reader to interpret the novel with some of the ideas that are present in the ending. Throughout the novel the close ties of Hetty and Frankie are present, even when Frankie does not want Hetty in her life, she is there. A perfect example of this is when Frankie has traveled to Vancouver and she is in a jewelry shop looking at some necklaces. She looks up and across the counter is Hetty examining an expensive pearl necklace. ?As we leaned across the counter, I looked up, and there, across the large jewelry store was Hetty?.I looked away from her in something like panic. I did not want, now, to be enthralled by or involved with Hetty again.?(Wilson, pg. 52) This idea of the constant reunions between the two women could be considered symbolically to show how the two women do need each other as friends, and how they are more similar than either one knows. Even in the ending when Frankie makes it clear that she does not want Hetty in her life any longer, Hetty still shows up at Frankie's apartment looking for a place to stay. There is a connection between the two, although both characters do not seem to want to admit it, and by Hetty running to Frankie it can be seen symbolically that Hetty has now become the child in the relationship. At the end of the novel when the two do separate on a more permanent basis, it can be concluded that the two are apart for good and can no longer relate to each other or be apart of the other's life. By analyzing word use in the final chapter of Hetty Dorval one can also interpret different meanings of how the ending could be considered significant. By examining the final sentence in the novel some words present there create a new meaning to the reader. ?There arose a silence around the city, through which only faint, confused sounds were sometimes heard.?(Wilson, pg. 104) The use of the word confusion in the end of the book could easily relate to the beginning of the novel, bringing the readers thoughts back to when they first began to read this lovely tale. Confusion could remind one of the literal confusion that took place within the town of Lytton when Hetty arrived. There was the confusion between the town's people since

The Dichotomy of Self Reliance and Conformity Essay Essays

The Dichotomy of Self Reliance and Conformity Essay Essays The Dichotomy of Self Reliance and Conformity Essay Paper The Dichotomy of Self Reliance and Conformity Essay Paper The late eighteenth Century in American history was dominated by an epoch of emotional and individualistic values of oneself. and a powerful sense of limitless possibilities. This was the Romanticism Period. An unbelievable figure of marvelous chef-doeuvres were contrived during this period of enlightenment. including Nathaniel Hawthorne’s dramatically thematic and equivocal short narrative. â€Å"Young Goodman Brown† . every bit good as Ralph Waldo Emerson’s intriguingly influential and uplifting essay. â€Å"Self-Reliance† . Hawthorne’s composing aspires to implicate theories and subjects about the world of the universe we live in and to exemplify our single restrictions through the art of symbolism and sarcasm. Emerson uses a alone attack in his authorship. endeavouring to animate people to appreciate the universe they live in. and to hold religion and assurance in themselves. Although it is deeply clear that Hawthorne and Emerson have two impressively different political orientations about life and personal bounds. Hawthorne seems to incorporate some of Emerson’s thoughts and values in â€Å"Young Goodman Brown† . Through his artlessly superb usage of several literary devices. including fables. Hawthorne incorporates the thought that Young Goodman Brown fails to hold faith in himself and is afraid of failure. which leads to his ultimate devastation. While Hawthorne weaves Emersonian ideas. into his work such as those found in â€Å"Self-Reliance† . he besides critiques them in â€Å"Young Goodman Brown† where he focuses on the subject of good and immorality. which contradicts Emerson’s belief that people are innately pure and good. The Romanticism Period in America consisted of two diverse classs. the luring Dark Romantics and the inspirational Transcendentalists. Dark Romantics focal point on subjects of wickedness and immorality. and believe that hurting and enticements are great forces. which are meant to be dealt with and experienced. Dark Romantics are drawn to the strong images of the picturesque past through symbolism and tend to compose with an ambiguity of mode on the complexnesss and sarcasms of life. qualities which Hawthorne successfully incorporated in â€Å"Young Goodman Brown† . Notwithstanding Hawthorne’s Dark Romantic qualities. he does look to incarnate some of the ideals and principals Transcendentalists. such as Emerson. abide by. Emerson. bearing an optimistic position of life and human nature. believed in advancing peace in the universe by promoting people to acquire in touch with their true ego and tended to see things in either black or white. In the beginning of â€Å"Young Goodman Brown† . the inexperient character Goodman Brown. who portions Emerson’s vision of seeing people in black and white. presumes that everyone in his community is either good or bad. The similarity of beliefs between Hawthorne’s character. Goodman Brown and Emerson’s political orientation. embracings Hawthorne’s deduction of how inaccurate a person’s perceptual experience may be and how things are non ever as they appear. Although Goodman Brown held his household members in high respect. claiming. â€Å"my father neer went into the forests on such an errand. nor his male parent before him† . he becomes flustered when the senior traveller. who accompanied him in his iniquitous journey through the forests. answers. â€Å"I have been every bit good acquainted with your household as with of all time a 1 among the Puritans ; † reassuring Goodman Brown that his male parent and gramps were non every bit guiltless as he so robustly assumed. ( 102 ) . Goodman Brown. being the inexperienced person and fleeceable person that he is. races to the decision that everyone is now evil. attesting Emerson’s political orientation of artlessness and pureness. Emerson believes that it is incorrect to let one ego to be influenced by another. and that one must swear in his or her ain intuition instead than conform to the belief of others. Goodman Brown did the complete antonym. He instantly condemned his male parent and gramps one time his attach toing traveller argued that they excessively had sinned. taking him to free religion in goodness. In support of Emerson’s political orientation of trust. Hawthorne allows his readers to presume that Goodman Brown’s deficiency of personal trust is what leads him to isolation. Hawthorne uses the thought of Goodman Brown’s journey in the signifier of a dream as a agency to set up uncertainness in the head of the reader. For the same ground. the storyteller poses the inquiry. â€Å"Had Goodman Brown fallen asleep in the wood and merely dreamed a wild dream of a witch-meeting? † ( 111 ) . Hawthorne leaves this inquiry unanswered to demo that it does non count if Goodman Brown’s experience was existent or a dream. but what affairs is how it impacted him. Harmonizing to Emerson. people must swear themselves before swearing others. One must hold assurance in his or her ain abilities. Goodman Brown wholly shunned everyone around him and isolated himself from his community. and although Emerson believed that conforming to society spreads one’s single ego. he would non hold approved of isolationism. As expected. Emerson and Hawthorne clearly had different positions about American civilization and society. Emerson viewed America as a new and guiltless state with a clear slate. unburdened by old historical events as Europe had been. Hawthorne on the other manus has a more realistic position of America. He realizes that America is non every bit guiltless as Emerson implies. He believes that America’s history is still portion of the state and he acknowledges human mistake. When the Satan reassures Goodman Brown. â€Å"I helped your gramps. the constable. when he lashed the Quaker adult female so cleverly through the streets of Salem ; † Hawthorne illustrates through existent events in American history how the Religious society of friendss were persecuted by the Puritans in the 1650s. and besides refers to King Philips War between the Puritans and Native Americans. when the Satan tells Brown that he helped his male parent. â€Å"set fire to an Indian Village. in King Philip’s war† . connoting that America does non hold such a clear slate ( 102 ) . Hawthorne seems to hold the ability to stand for a character. such as Young Goodman Brown. that has features and beliefs that he does non needfully O.K. of. The ground for this is perchance because his family’s history stretches back to the early yearss of the Salem Witch Trials where he became good acquainted with Puritan society. Bing a maestro of symbolism. Hawthorne successfully conveys his message of recognition of human mistakes and that there is every bit much immorality in the universe as there is good. Although the subject of good and evil that Hawthorne believes in does non co-occur with Emerson’s belief that people are strictly good. the subject of trust and religion in â€Å"Young Goodman Brown† seems to associate to both of the authors’ theories. Emerson’s support of the thought that people should believe in themselves straight opposes Hawthorne’s thought. as portrayed by Goodman Brown. which inquiries whether people are genuinely fit to do determinations for themselves. Emerson espouses the political orientation of â€Å"Self-Reliance† whereas Hawthorne takes on a conformist position. It would likely be safe to state that our ain personalities are made up of a combination of both schools of idea instead than purely one or the other.

How to Analyze a Free Falling Body Problem

How to Analyze a Free Falling Body Problem One of the most common sorts of problems that a beginning physics student will encounter is to analyze the motion of a free-falling body. Its helpful to look at the various ways these sorts of problems can be approached. The following problem was presented on our long-gone Physics Forum by a person with the somewhat unsettling pseudonym c4iscool: A 10kg block being held at rest above the ground is released. The block begins to fall under only the effect of gravity. At the instant that the block is 2.0 meters above the ground, the speed of the block is 2.5 meters per second. At what height was the block released? Begin by defining your variables: y0 - initial height, unknown (what were trying to solve for) v0 0 (initial velocity is 0, since we know it begins at rest) y 2.0 m/s v 2.5 m/s (velocity at 2.0 meters above ground) m 10 kg g 9.8 m/s2 (acceleration due to gravity) Looking at the variables, we see a couple of things that we could do. We can use conservation of energy or we could apply one-dimensional kinematics. Method One: Conservation of Energy This motion exhibits conservation of energy, so you can approach the problem that way. To do this, well have to be familiar with three other variables: U mgy (gravitational potential energy) K 0.5mv2 (kinetic energy) E K U (total classical energy) We can then apply this information to get the total energy when the block is released and the total energy at the 2.0 meter above-the-ground point. Since the initial velocity is 0, there is no kinetic energy there, as the equation shows E 0 K 0 U 0 0 mgy 0 mgy 0E K U 0.5mv2 mgyby setting them equal to each other, we get:mgy0 0.5mv2 mgyand by isolating y0 (i.e. dividing everything by mg) we get:y0 0.5v2 / g y Notice that the equation we get for y0 doesnt include mass at all. It doesnt matter if the block of wood weighs 10 kg or 1,000,000 kg, we will get the same answer to this problem. Now we take the last equation and just plug our values in for the variables to get the solution: y0 0.5 * (2.5 m/s)2 / (9.8 m/s2) 2.0 m 2.3 m This is an approximate solution, since we are only using two significant figures in this problem. Method Two: One-Dimensional Kinematics Looking over the variables we know and the kinematics equation for a one-dimensional situation, one thing to notice is that we have no knowledge of the time involved in the drop. So we have to have an equation without time. Fortunately, we have one (although Ill replace the x with y since were dealing with vertical motion and a with g since our acceleration is gravity): v 2 v 0 2 2 g( x - x 0) First, we know that v0 0. Second, we have to keep in mind our coordinate system (unlike the energy example). In this case, up is positive, so g is in the negative direction. v2 2g(y - y0)v2 / 2g y - y0y0 -0.5 v2 / g y Notice that this is exactly the same equation that we ended up with in the conservation of energy method. It looks different because one term is negative, but since g is now negative, those negatives will cancel and yield the exact same answer: 2.3 m. Bonus Method: Deductive Reasoning This wont give you the solution, but it will allow you to get a rough estimate of what to expect. More importantly, it allows you to answer the fundamental question that you should ask yourself when you get done with a physics problem: Does my solution make sense? The acceleration due to gravity is 9.8 m/s2. This means that after falling for 1 second, an object will be moving at 9.8 m/s. In the above problem, the object is moving at only 2.5 m/s after having been dropped from rest. Therefore, when it reaches 2.0 m in height, we know that it hasnt fallen very fall at all. Our solution for the drop height, 2.3 m, shows exactly this - it had fallen only 0.3 m. The calculated solution does make sense in this case. Edited by Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.

John Adams Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

John Adams - Research Paper Example His family was rather modest, and his simple habits were typical for Massachusettsian farmers of that time (McCullough 18). Adams was a devout believer, but he still valued Greco-Roman literature and political theory: he was an ample reader of works by Cicero, Tacitus, Plato, Thucydides, and other political writers and philosophers of Ancient world (McCullough 19). Adams did not belong to learned or commercial elite of the Colonial society and was proud of his personal qualities such as eloquence. As a lawyer, he earned recognition of local community, yet his social ambition led him to view political career as his true destiny (McCullough 20). Adams first became an important figure during the campaign against the Stamp Act of 1765, as the decision of the British government to impose a direct tax on printed materials enraged the Americans. Adams played a prominent role in this campaign by drafting the so-called Braintree Instructions, a document presented by Massachusettsian citizens to the General Court of the colony. The Braintree Instructions presented such basic principles of future American political system as the connection between taxation and representation, and the necessity of trial by jury and independent judiciary (McCullough 61). The campaign against the Stamp Act would thus become the first contribution of Adams to the fight for independence of the future United States. The second important contribution of Adams to the cause of independence was his participation in the first and second Continental Congresses of 1774 and 1775. As the most prominent of representatives of Massachusetts, Adams possessed great influence among his fellow members of Congress, and his struggle for transformation of the colonies into independent states played an important role in convincing Congress of the necessity of independence. Adams played a key part in drafting the Congressional resolutions of 15 May 1776, which became a basis for the future draft of the Declaration of Independence (Wood 176). The most important work of Adams, Thoughts on Government (1776), had a decisive influence on the political thought of American Patriots (Wood 177). By arguing in favor of rule of law, Adams laid the foundations for American system of government. In Thoughts on Government Adams displayed a concern about the necessity of political balance between various branches of government in order to avoid possible abuses of power. The effect of Adams’ Thoughts on Government was extensive, as the principles he proclaimed received a wide audience (McCullough 103; Wood 178). This allowed Adams to become a respected figure in constitutional affairs. Despite the dominant role of Jefferson and Madison in drafting the Declaration of Independence, Adams played important role in proclamation of independence itself. He supported the Lee Resolution on 7 June 1776 that was to proclaim the United States â€Å"free and independent states†, and participated in the deba te in Congress that followed it (McCullough 118). The fruitful participation of Adams in the affairs of Congress, and his positive standing at the negotiations with General Howe in September 1776 allowed him to become a first representative of the USA in the European countries. Adams’ diplomatic career proved extremely fruitful for the United States. Even though his missions to

Marketing debate Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Marketing debate - Essay Example (Child, 1995) Product marketing is indeed of paramount importance when the comparison is drawn between the two but it is service marketing which takes the lead over its product counterpart due to a host of reasons, all of which are mentioned below. Marketing is selling a product before it has actually entered the market. By market we mean those sets of people or target audiences who will be catered this product so that they could satisfy one or more of their respective needs. With these we fathom that marketing aims not only to sell the product before it is even produced at the manufacturer’s end but also make sure that there are repeated purchases on the part of the customer who is a part of the target audience so to speak. Marketing in essence is a game plan for the strategic and tactical basis of the products that are sold through the help and facilitation of distribution channels, word of mouth approaches and formation of brand personalities and so on and so forth. People factor in the service encounter gains an even more significant position. Marketing a service is different from marketing a product because the role of employees has played an important role within an organization that is focused mainly on the delivery of state of the art service towards its customers on a day to day basis. Service marketing has remained the key for a long time, especially within the contexts where the same offers a creative edge over other service organizations – the competitors in essence. (Beckman, 1967) Service marketing is indeed different than product marketing as it pinpoints the absence of a tangible product in the first place and relies on providing the service in an impeccable way. What this does is to inculcate the same feelings of trust and belongingness with the customers which they receive when they purchase a product. However this sense of attachment with the

Urbanization & Applied Anthropology Essay -- Anthropology

Urbanization is the process of life for many and the desired way of life for many others. Human beings both inhabit urban and rural areas today all over the world. Many people may be disappointed with the development of an increasing number of urban areas. Many peoples once rural areas are now swallowed up directly as cities sprawl outward. The effects of urbanization both positive and negative get examined in the following paragraphs. In addition, who is most effected by urbanization and who plays a role in preventing and/or properly planning development will also be revealed. Anthropology wears many hats in the world today. Human society gets impacted directly by the decisions made by countries or government agencies with the assistance of anthropologist. Let’s begin to examine where we are and where we are going with urbanization. Human societies live in settlements that get classified as rural or urban. Urban areas include human created structures and there are more residents that inhabit the area. Rural or country areas often develop randomly. Natural vegetation and land availability often play a significant role in determining human settlement in rural regions. Increasing the amount of rural areas becomes the focus of agencies and the government. Many urban areas were once rural areas before becoming developed. Urban areas include advanced civic amenities. Opportunities such as education, transportation, business, and social interface all typically increase in urban areas. Natural resources and natural events are often the basis for settlement in rural areas. Urban areas receive benefits of manmade advancements. Sciences and technology are playing an increasing role in day to day society functioning properly. Urban ar... ...n.d.). UN News Center. Retrieved April 07, 2012, from http://www.un.org/cyberschoolbus/habitat/units/un05txt.asp Kottak, C. P. (2012). Window on humanity: A concise introduction to anthropology. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Smrcka, K. (2010, April 23). Effects of urbanisation to be most pronounced in megacities. Engineering News. Retrieved April 07, 2012, from http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/effects-of-urbanisation-to-be-most-pronounced-in-mega-cities-2010-04-23 Urbanization and Global Change. (2006, January 04). The Global Change Program at the University of Michigan. Retrieved April 07, 2012, from http://www.globalchange.umich.edu/globalchange2/current/lectures/urban_gc/ Urbanization It’s Causes,Effects and Benefits. (2010, July 01). Why Articles. Retrieved April 07, 2012, from http://www.whyarticles.com/urbanization-its-causeseffects-and-benefits/ Urbanization & Applied Anthropology Essay -- Anthropology Urbanization is the process of life for many and the desired way of life for many others. Human beings both inhabit urban and rural areas today all over the world. Many people may be disappointed with the development of an increasing number of urban areas. Many peoples once rural areas are now swallowed up directly as cities sprawl outward. The effects of urbanization both positive and negative get examined in the following paragraphs. In addition, who is most effected by urbanization and who plays a role in preventing and/or properly planning development will also be revealed. Anthropology wears many hats in the world today. Human society gets impacted directly by the decisions made by countries or government agencies with the assistance of anthropologist. Let’s begin to examine where we are and where we are going with urbanization. Human societies live in settlements that get classified as rural or urban. Urban areas include human created structures and there are more residents that inhabit the area. Rural or country areas often develop randomly. Natural vegetation and land availability often play a significant role in determining human settlement in rural regions. Increasing the amount of rural areas becomes the focus of agencies and the government. Many urban areas were once rural areas before becoming developed. Urban areas include advanced civic amenities. Opportunities such as education, transportation, business, and social interface all typically increase in urban areas. Natural resources and natural events are often the basis for settlement in rural areas. Urban areas receive benefits of manmade advancements. Sciences and technology are playing an increasing role in day to day society functioning properly. Urban ar... ...n.d.). UN News Center. Retrieved April 07, 2012, from http://www.un.org/cyberschoolbus/habitat/units/un05txt.asp Kottak, C. P. (2012). Window on humanity: A concise introduction to anthropology. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Smrcka, K. (2010, April 23). Effects of urbanisation to be most pronounced in megacities. Engineering News. Retrieved April 07, 2012, from http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/effects-of-urbanisation-to-be-most-pronounced-in-mega-cities-2010-04-23 Urbanization and Global Change. (2006, January 04). The Global Change Program at the University of Michigan. Retrieved April 07, 2012, from http://www.globalchange.umich.edu/globalchange2/current/lectures/urban_gc/ Urbanization It’s Causes,Effects and Benefits. (2010, July 01). Why Articles. Retrieved April 07, 2012, from http://www.whyarticles.com/urbanization-its-causeseffects-and-benefits/

Iron Crowned Chapter 9

I propped myself up so that I could look Dorian in the face. Even in dim lighting, I could see he was serious. â€Å"Who, Kiyo?† I asked in astonishment. â€Å"No, the other annoying kitsune in your life.† â€Å"Why would you †¦ why would you suggest something like that?† â€Å"Excellent question,† he murmured. His brow furrowed in thought, then relaxed into resignation. â€Å"Because his human blood would protect him and – my personal opinions of him aside – he is a good asset in a fight. Most importantly, he would have no interest in the crown. Nor would it be of any use to him.† Every one of those things was true. But there was one obvious problem. â€Å"Kiyo wouldn't help me. Not anymore. Jasmine would be more willing – if only for a chance to escape.† The argument that Kiyo and I had had in the mountains was still fresh in my head. This brought a smile to Dorian's lips, and he trailed his fingertips down my arm. â€Å"You doubt your own charms. The kitsune will help you, if you ask him nicely. He's not over you as much as you think. And he too would jump at the chance at some foolhardy way to end this war.† â€Å"Foolhardy †¦ You've gone back and forth on the usefulness of the crown yourself. And now you're willing to – † I almost said â€Å"allow† but recalled my earlier words. Dorian didn't dictate my life. † – accept me going off with my ex-boyfriend?† â€Å"This is an acceptable solution. Still dangerous †¦ but I believe you two could manage it. And I trust you,† Dorian said simply. â€Å"As you trust me.† I stared down into his eyes, dark in the flickering torchlight, though the striking shape of his face and fair skin glowed like a masterpiece in marble. â€Å"I do trust you.† He smiled again. â€Å"Good. We'll make plans in the morning. But for now †¦Ã¢â‚¬  The smile gave way to a yawn. â€Å"I need sleep. This has been a long day.† It was true. He'd been part of an epic battle and then made love – or whatever you wanted to classify that kinky shit as – like a pro. My day had been pretty busy too, to say the least. I put my head down, wrapping back against him, and soon slept in spite of the shocking suggestion he'd just made. When we woke, however, the crown became our immediate breakfast topic. We'd opted for private dining at a small table in the sitting room adjacent to his bedroom. After hearing about my traipsing about in his too-long robe, he'd had my own made for these slumber parties: white velvet with gold embroidery. It was a bit more elaborate than I would have preferred but felt nice against my bare skin. The wounds certainly appreciated loose clothing too. â€Å"Invite him to your castle,† said Dorian. Fully rested, he'd shifted completely into cunning mode, barely touching the elaborate spread of pastries and meats his servants had set before us. â€Å"The gods know he won't come here.† â€Å"Or Tucson,† I suggested after swallowing a gentry version of a cinnamon roll. Maybe I could get Tim the recipe. â€Å"He'd probably come to my house there.† Dorian considered. â€Å"No. Get him to this world, to your domain, so that you can leave as soon as possible. Above all, you must not – under any circumstances – allow him to go back to Maiwenn and consult her on this.† I swallowed another bite and smiled. â€Å"You think she'd be jealous?† â€Å"That's the least of our reasons.† He ticked them off on his fingers. â€Å"Remember – she fears you. Us. She wouldn't see this as an end to the war. She'd see it as you scrambling for power. And, who knows? The kitsune might have no use for the crown himself, but she could coax him into bringing it to her.† â€Å"She's not vying for power, last I knew. Besides – it's winning the crown that's the big deal, right? If it was just given to her, no one would respect her for it. If it can even be given †¦ I thought it returns home when it's away from its victor.† Dorian didn't respond right away. â€Å"True. But then that would still keep the crown from you. And we mustn't forget she might simply talk him out of it because of simple concern for his life.† Dorian's tone implied this was a petty concern. â€Å"No, don't give him a chance to talk to her. Invite him to you and ask – beg, if need be – for his help. Stress whatever urgent reason will work. A need to end the war. Make up some ultimatum from the ghost.† I set the roll down and tapped my water glass absentmindedly. This was all starting to make me feel strange. â€Å"There's a lot of conniving here.† â€Å"There always is in politics. In war. In love, even. But this can help us – more than you can imagine. We must put our faith in the old adage that the ends justify the means.† I sighed. â€Å"Okay, then. I'll do it. When?† â€Å"As soon as possible. Katrice is regrouping. We can take advantage of that.† That smooth, calculating air faded. â€Å"Though I hate to lose you.† â€Å"Hey.† I reached across the table and laid my hand over his. â€Å"Don't think of it as ‘losing' me. It's just like I'm going to Tucson for a few days.† He grimaced. â€Å"Except your petty human job doesn't carry such risks. Fetches aside. I do wish you'd let my healers take care of those wounds before you go.† The stitched-up cut itched, though the rest weren't bothering me. I tested the range of motion on my left arm. It was stiff but moved. â€Å"Let your healers keep working here. Maybe I'll have Shaya fix it up.† She didn't possess the skill of a bona fide healer but could do some quick patches. Dorian didn't like that but let the matter go. We finished breakfast, rehashing what little he knew about the path to the Iron Crown. I shed my robe for my normal clothes, after first having one of his servants clean and re-bandage my back. My mother would be proud, seeing me follow doctor's orders. We didn't know where Kiyo was exactly, here or the human world, but Dorian sent a messenger to Maiwenn's court, inviting him to mine. No one from our lands would be welcomed with open arms in her territory, but she'd allow a messenger through and hopefully let us know if he wasn't currently in the Otherworld. I also sent Volusian to Tim and Lara, warning I'd be gone for a while and to cancel all my appointments. Lara wouldn't like that, but I had a feeling it would be the least of her worries when faced with Volusian for the first time. When the time for me to leave came, Dorian couldn't hide his conflicted feelings. The part of him always striving for advantage and control wanted that crown. The part of him that loved me worried about what I was walking into. â€Å"It'll be okay,† I said, wrapping my arms around him. â€Å"I'm Storm King's daughter, remember? This'll be cake. And hey, if that ghost's lying, I'll be back tonight.† â€Å"I don't know if I'd prefer that or not,† he mused. He rested his hand behind my neck and gave me a long, lingering kiss. â€Å"Be careful, Eugenie. Fight hard, but be careful. And take this.† From a hidden pocket in his cloak, he produced something glittering and handed it to me. I held it up. It was a ring, hanging on a fine chain. Both were made of gold. A diamond flanked by sapphires sat prominently on the ring, which was fashioned to look like a circle of leaves. â€Å"Is this magic?† I asked. He shook his head. â€Å"Just something to remember me by. Just something to think about.† I eyed him carefully. Marriage happened among the gentry, though not as often as among humans. Considering our divorce rate, maybe that was smart. They didn't give engagement rings like humans did, but he'd know my world's custom. This ring suddenly made me uneasy. â€Å"It's a thing of beauty,† he said, seeing my reaction. â€Å"For someone beautiful. I knew you wouldn't wear it on your finger, so keep it on the chain.† I nodded. Sometimes a gift was just a gift – particularly when someone was afraid his beloved might get killed soon. I kissed him again. â€Å"Thank you.† I'd come alone via the human world, so he sent an escort back to the Thorn Land with me. No one except Dorian and Masthera knew what I was going to do, but the group could sense something big was about to go down. Tension crackled around us as we traveled. Like so many, these soldiers considered Dorian and me a powerhouse. They could hardly wait to see what would happen next. Kiyo wasn't waiting for me in the Thorn Land, not that I'd expected results that quickly. No refusal had come from Maiwenn either, which I took as a good sign. â€Å"What are you and my lord planning?† asked Rurik when he saw me. â€Å"You've got that look.† â€Å"What look is that?† I asked curiously. He reminded me of Tim. â€Å"The look that says you're planning something.† I rolled my eyes. â€Å"Eloquent as ever, Rurik.† â€Å"Should I assemble fighters?† he asked, shrugging off my comment. Shaya joined us then, scrolls in her arms. â€Å"No. I do this alone. Well, not exactly. Kiyo's coming with me. I hope. He should be showing up here today.† I spoke more confidently than I felt. Despite Dorian's certainties, I still wasn't sure whether Kiyo would help or not. Rurik and Shaya exchanged glances. â€Å"Stop that,† I told them. â€Å"It's perfectly platonic. Dorian suggested it.† Rurik looked like he still had a few things to say about it, but Shaya interrupted. â€Å"The Linden King wrote back. He won't join with us – but he also won't fight against us.† â€Å"Not the best news, not the worst. We'll see if he comes crawling when his power's in dispute.† The words came out with more venom than I expected. Rurik seemed to approve. Shaya leafed through more papers. â€Å"Caria, the Laurel Queen, would like to meet with you and discuss the war, however.† I knew nothing about that land. â€Å"Have we even contacted her?† â€Å"No,† said Shaya, giving me a meaningful look. â€Å"But her kingdom borders the Linden Land.† â€Å"Ah.† I smiled. My comment to Ranelle that others would be eyeing her king's land as his power faded was true. In refusing my offer to defend against that, they'd allowed someone else to solicit me for the other side of that future dispute. â€Å"He'll regret his neutrality later. See if Caria'll meet with Dorian while I'm gone.† Dorian would understand the situation perfectly. I figured this was it and started to leave. â€Å"There's one more thing,† added Shaya, twisting a black braid in that nervous habit of hers. â€Å"Girard would like to see you.† Her unease had made me think something bad was coming, but Girard was one of the few people who rarely delivered bad news. If anything, he usually delivered gifts, always coming up with some marvelous new piece of craftsmanship. Some pieces – like Dorian's sword and Jasmine's chains – I'd commissioned specifically. Sometimes, however, inspiration struck the artist, and he'd present some intricately worked necklace or diadem that I felt certain was beyond human skill. He could even touch iron in very small amounts. â€Å"I'm sure he's made something great, but I'm not in the mood today,† I told her. â€Å"I want to see Jasmine.† â€Å"He's not here to display work. He wants to introduce you to his sister.† She looked at me expectantly and seemed surprised by my lack of reaction. â€Å"You've never heard of her? Imanuelle de la Colline?† I shook my head. â€Å"Should I have?† Shaya shrugged. â€Å"Maybe not. But I think you'll find her †¦ interesting. It'll only take a minute.† It was true I was in a hurry, but Shaya's attitude intrigued me. We went to Girard's workshop, rooms I'd given to him on the castle's outer edge in case his work ever set something on fire. He was bent over a table, fingers magically working a bundle of metal and jewels. â€Å"Another crown?† I asked with amusement. They seemed to be his favorite thing to make. Girard looked up, startled, and bowed. â€Å"No, Your Majesty. It's something Lord Rurik has requested. If you'd like another crown – â€Å" I waved him silent. â€Å"No, no. God knows I have plenty. Hardly seems like Rurik's style, though.† Girard didn't comment. Client confidentiality, I supposed. Turning, he pointed off toward the side of his workshop, and I gaped. A woman stood there, and somehow I hadn't noticed her upon entering – which seemed impossible. She and her brother shared the same dark skin and black hair, as well as a taste for bright clothing. The dress she wore was a stunning teal silk, cut shorter than most gentry dresses. Something about it gave me the impression she wore it for utility, not sexiness. â€Å"Your Majesty,† she said, sweeping me a curtsey. Also like Girard, a faintly French-sounding accent laced her words. â€Å"This is my sister, Imanuelle,† he said. Like Shaya, he seemed to expect me to know who his sister was. â€Å"It's nice to meet you,† I told her. When no one said anything, I shifted restlessly, impatient to go. Seeing this, Imanuelle strode forward, her steps graceful and liquid. â€Å"Your Majesty,† she said. â€Å"I've come to offer my services to you, should you like to hire me.† I glanced at the other faces, seeking more information, but received none. â€Å"What do you do?† I asked. â€Å"Do you work metal like Girard?† A mischievous smile crossed Imanuelle's face. She had caught on that I really didn't know who she was and appeared to enjoy that. â€Å"No. My talents are of †¦ a different nature.† I saw a slight gesture of her hand, and then suddenly, the teal silk dress turned yellow. A moment later, it changed form altogether, turning into a flowing velvet gown. Then, she wasn't Imanuelle at all. A clone of Shaya stood before me. After letting that sink in, Imanuelle returned to her original form. She bowed, as though having just performed a stage show. â€Å"I'm an illusionist,† she said. â€Å"I can make people see things that aren't there. Most importantly, I can make myself look like anything I choose.† It was one of the cooler gentry powers, but I didn't entirely see how it'd be useful for me. â€Å"So I can finally be in two places at once?† I joked. That brought another smile. â€Å"I suppose †¦ but I've honed other skills to accompany these. Ones many monarchs find useful. I †¦ get rid of problems.† Apparently guessing my confusion, Shaya sighed and dropped her usual formality. â€Å"You're better off not dancing around the subject. My queen prefers directness.† She turned to me. â€Å"Imanuelle is an assassin, Your Majesty.† Imanuelle's smile tightened a little. I think she preferred her more flowery description. â€Å"That's an ugly word for a formidable skill set.† It took me a moment to catch on. â€Å"So, you're here to – Wait. You think I'm going to hire you to, what, assassinate Katrice?† Imanuelle shrugged eloquently, and her brother spoke up for her. â€Å"Some might see that as a quick way to end the war, if I may be so bold.† Girard had picked up that I didn't like this idea at all and was understandably nervous. He valued his position with me. â€Å"It's a dirty, sneaky way to end a war!† I exclaimed. â€Å"It'd make me no better than Katrice and her bastard son.† â€Å"It would eliminate Katrice directly,† said Imanuelle. â€Å"Since she is the source of your problems. I could disguise myself as someone in her castle. Quick, easy. No other innocents need be hurt.† For a heartbeat, her words almost made sense. Then I shook my head emphatically. â€Å"No. I'm not going to stoop to that level.† Some of Imanuelle's pleasant demeanor faded. â€Å"There are monarchs who would give half their kingdoms for my services! I'm very selective. I'm doing you a great honor.† I narrowed my eyes. â€Å"You're doing me an honor?† She hesitated, realizing she was addressing one of the most formidable queens in the Otherworld. Again, Girard jumped in to save her. â€Å"Forgive our presumption, Your Majesty. We only wanted to offer it as an option.† â€Å"It's been offered,† I said bluntly. â€Å"And refused. Thank you for the ‘honor.' You're welcome to visit your brother, of course, but I'd prefer that you stay here no longer than absolutely necessary.† I turned dramatically away from them, just catching the outrage on Imanuelle's face, and strode out. Shaya hurried by my side. â€Å"Spoken like a queen,† she said. â€Å"Do I need to worry about that woman killing me now?† I asked. â€Å"Is she going to change into you and pull a knife on me?† â€Å"I'm sure you'd respond as efficiently as you do to the other attacks on you,† said Shaya dryly. â€Å"Her illusions aren't foolproof to everyone. I'm guessing Volusian could see through them if he were around. But, honestly †¦ although her pride has been hurt – she does have quite the reputation – I suspect she'll simply stalk off and leave you be, if only for her brother's sake.† â€Å"Well, that's nice. One less person trying to kill me.† I raked my hand through my hair. â€Å"Anything else I need to deal with?† That was a loaded question, of course. Shaya had a few more business matters for me to look over before I could finally see Jasmine. I hadn't talked to her after the dinner at Dorian's and felt she'd be a good distraction as I waited to see if Kiyo would come. I found her outside in one of the gardens, sitting in the shade of a mesquite tree as the sun grew higher and the heat increased. Her guards stood stoically nearby, and her fine chains glittered in the light. At my approach, she glanced up from a book. Petulant, power-hungry teen that she might be, she was also an avid reader, using fantasy to escape her mundane existence when she'd still lived among humans. This book was one I'd brought her recently, the first in a trendy series. â€Å"Is it good?† I asked, sitting down opposite her. â€Å"Not bad,† she said, playing cool. A moment later, she gave herself away. â€Å"Are there more out in the series?† â€Å"Three more, I think.† She said nothing but smiled as she set the book beside her. â€Å"Did you have fun at Dorian's?† I asked. â€Å"Yeah. It was nice to be out.† Her eyes gazed off, not really focusing on anything. â€Å"I think the best part was watching Shaya scare off all the guys hitting on me.† She turned back to me. â€Å"Is that what it's like for you all the time?† â€Å"Not since I got together with Dorian. They've slacked off – and Shaya doesn't scare them away. She abandons me.† Jasmine smiled again. â€Å"Dorian's crazy about you. Obsessed.† â€Å"That's kind of an extreme observation.† â€Å"It's true.† She brushed hair out of her eyes. The sunlight was turning it to gold, making me a little envious; I'd gotten true red from our father, rather than strawberry blond. She could wear pink. â€Å"It's good,† she continued. â€Å"His obsession. That bitch Ysabel wants him, you know. And she hates you. So does her mom.† â€Å"Yeah, I kind of figured that out.† She shrugged. â€Å"Well, then, keep Dorian close.† â€Å"I'm not worried.† â€Å"Ysabel's got kids, and you won't give him any.† I was so sick of hearing about me and procreation. â€Å"Lots of gentry women have kids. Are you saying I should worry about all of them, Little Miss Love Guru?† â€Å"Not all of them look like you. I mean, not exactly like you †¦ but I think Dorian gets off on redheads. Maybe he figures he'll have red-haired kids that way. I don't know. But, whatever. I'm just saying she's waiting there for you to slip up with Dorian. And he's already gone for her before. She's got a bigger chest than you, too.† â€Å"Hey,† I said indignantly. â€Å"That's irrelevant. Besides, he went for her – and she annoyed him. And I'm not going to ‘slip up.' He's not going anywhere.† I frowned, surprised by my next words, that I'd actually say them to her. â€Å"It's Kiyo I've got to pull in.† Jasmine's gray eyes widened in shock. â€Å"Him? He's no use to you †¦ unless, oh Jesus. You guys aren't planning some three-way, are you? I mean, I know you and Dorian get into some – â€Å" â€Å"No!† I exclaimed. â€Å"It's nothing like that. I need a favor from Kiyo, that's all. A big one. A dangerous one. I'm not sure what'll convince him.† I smiled weakly, remembering Dorian's expression when I'd showed up in the tight gentry dress. â€Å"I'd know what to do if it was Dorian.† Jasmine scoffed and gave me a scathing look. â€Å"How stupid are you? Even I know what to do if you want to suck in Kiyo. Look human.† â€Å"I am human. Who's stupid now?† Good grief. We'd advanced to snippy quarrelling. We were becoming real sisters more and more each day. â€Å"You're half human. Dorian likes that because he thinks he can knock you up †¦ but the rest? He wants you to be a queen. One of the shining ones. Kiyo doesn't. He hates all of that. He doesn't want you anywhere near it. You hooked up before you were into all the Otherworld stuff. Be like that.† I stared at her, startled because she had an excellent point. â€Å"Do I look human now?† Jasmine studied me critically. I had jeans and a T-shirt on, my hair pulled sloppily into a ponytail. My boots were sturdy, made for hiking. Plain. â€Å"Yeah,† she said, sounding surprised. â€Å"Scruffy and human. He'll be into that. Except for the ring. It's from Dorian, right? Put it under your shirt.† I touched the ring hanging on my chest, having forgotten about it. â€Å"How'd you know it was from him?† â€Å"Because you wouldn't get it for yourself, and no one else would either. It's also got oak leaves.† I peered down at it. Sure enough. I hadn't identified the leaves earlier. I followed her advice, concealing it under the shirt. She watched with approval, then seemed to really notice my shirt. â€Å"Who's Mà ¶tley Cre?† I was saved from lecturing her on classic rock when a servant scurried up to us, telling me Kiyo was here. The ease I'd felt with Jasmine vanished. I stood up, forcing calm, half-wondering if I should take her after all. No. Kiyo was the right choice. â€Å"Good luck,† Jasmine said, picking up her book. â€Å"And remember: be human.† I followed the servant away, embarrassed that I was taking advice from an insane fifteen-year-old. Except †¦ I knew she was right. I made sure my gait was casual, nothing regal. Then, I sent the servant away, deciding it'd be best to come to Kiyo on my own, rather than approaching with an escort, no matter how insignificant. He was waiting inside a parlor, pacing restlessly. I knew how uneasy I made him, and this invitation had no doubt put him on guard. I watched him unnoticed for a moment, admiring that muscled body while knowing it was wrong to do so. Sneaking up on him was impossible, though. He could smell me. My sweat and skin alone would have given me away, let alone the vanilla sunscreen and violet perfume I also wore. â€Å"Eugenie,† he said, turning around. â€Å"Nice to see you.† He seemed impassive, but his eyes made me think he really did like seeing me – physically at least. â€Å"Sorry for the abrupt request,† I said. â€Å"You were probably visiting Luisa, huh?† The mention of his daughter softened his expression a tiny, tiny bit. â€Å"Yeah, she's †¦ she grows every day. It's amazing.† He flipped back to alert mode. â€Å"But that's not why you asked me here.† â€Å"No.† I settled into one of the chairs, crossing my legs and hoping I looked casual and unassuming. â€Å"I need your help.† He continued standing. â€Å"That's unexpected.† â€Å"Well, I got an unexpected offer. Do you still want me to get out of this war?† â€Å"Of course.† He made a face. â€Å"Oh, Eug. Please tell me you don't want me to negotiate or something.† I smiled, both at the suggestion and his use of the nickname. â€Å"No, I need you for something that's more your specialty. I don't suppose you've ever heard of the Iron Crown?† Kiyo hadn't. I provided a brief rundown, explaining how the person who fought through and won it could allegedly inspire fear and awe. â€Å"And that's enough to make Katrice back off?† he asked skeptically. â€Å"So they say.† I shrugged. â€Å"It's weird to me too, but everyone I've talked to claims it'll intimidate Katrice and her armies.† Best not to mention that â€Å"everyone† was Dorian, a ghost, and a crazy seeress. â€Å"It'll prove what a badass I am. And if that forces her into peace talks †¦Ã¢â‚¬  I let him draw his own conclusions. â€Å"It's a gamble,† Kiyo said. He still sounded doubtful, but there was a crack there. He wanted the war over. He wanted me out of it. â€Å"But why ask me? Why not Dorian?† â€Å"Because he couldn't survive the quest. The way's lined with iron. It would take an insanely strong gentry – or people with human blood, like you and me. Plus, I trust you.† I didn't know if the human solidarity had gotten me anywhere, but he was definitely considering this more and more. I also wondered if admitting trust in him did anything. Part of what had driven us apart was my accusation that he didn't care enough about me to punish Leith. â€Å"I'd like to help you,† Kiyo said finally. â€Å"It's crazy – but no crazier than half the stuff around here. I should talk to Maiwenn first, though.† You must not – under any circumstances – allow him to go back to Maiwenn and consult her on this. â€Å"There's no time,† I said, hastily running through Dorian's laundry list of excuses. â€Å"We have to go now. The ghost who's going to help me threatened to back out if I didn't act soon. And we're currently on hold with Katrice. If I could return with the crown before the next battle, it would be †¦ well, it'd be amazing. No more bloodshed.† I could see him wavering, but he wasn't quite convinced. Really, I didn't blame him. If I had an ally who could advise me on some bizarre quest, I'd want to talk to her too before jumping in. â€Å"You can talk to her if you want,† I said. â€Å"But I've got to leave now. I can't stand waiting. I'll just go by myself.† That drove the dagger in. No matter how sketchy the logic, no matter how smart it would be to get Maiwenn's advice †¦ the fear of my running off into unknown dangers was too great. He stared at me for several heavy moments, his expression unreadable. Finally, he sighed. â€Å"Right now?† he asked. â€Å"Right now,† I said. â€Å"Then let's go.†