Dear reader, my search is finally over! —and through no effort of my own. Really it was all just by chance, well, and the help of a new friend. Oh, I want so badly to read this right now, but I have to get ready. Oh goodness, of course as always I am getting ahead of myself. Let me start again.
Last week I did not go to the manor house, but instead worked on finishing remedies, including the Peace which I began before. I must admit I was very pleased with my efforts. I had all of the requests completed and the newly crafted Peace decanted into three bottles: one for Master Alexander, one for Mrs. Algar, and one for myself. So with everything ready, I went to deliver my goods.
On the way over to the manor house, I stopped in at the post office, and a letter from Auntie Ember had arrived. The roads are finally clear and I am free to come whenever possible! Oh dear reader, I could hardly wait, so I made up my mind right then and there to leave by the end of the week. With this wonderful plan in my heart, I finished my walk and was in good spirits when Mrs. Algar answered the door.
She told me to come in, but I said I had come for another reason. I handed her the bottles and explained that one was for her and asked if she would deliver the other to Alexander for me, who I assumed was in lessons with his tutor. I also told her that I was going on a trip and would not be back to use the library for some time, though I would be certain to check in with her before coming to visit again. As I walked away she called out and asked what was in the bottles. I called back: “hopefully, some peace and quiet”.
All day I’ve been busy getting ready to leave for Larksville. However this evening around sunset, I heard a knock. I was surprised to find when I opened the door it was Mrs. Algar. I greeted her a bit flustered to be caught off guard and in the middle of packing. She said she had been sent with a gift from ‘the young master’ and offered me a book. I took it from her, feeling a bit confused. She went on. Words, she began, had never been her strength, nor had patience, but help was help, and “the peace and quiet” had helped. She thanked me for the remedy and for aiding her during her dizzy spell. Then that was that, she wished me a good trip and walked away before I could reply. I sighed but smiled. She seems such a strange woman to me, but I am glad I’ve come to understand her a bit better.
I went back into the cottage and looked over the book: Olkarian Faery Stories Vol.2 by Olrik Alfaro. There was a short note inside from Alexander that said the book had arrived a few days ago and I could keep it as long as I liked because he had already finished it. And dear reader, when I scanned the table of contents, there it was! The Green Children of Woolden! Even now I can scarcely believe it, and oh, it is all I can do not to read it this moment. But I am leaving tomorrow and must get up early in time to catch the coach. I have finished my packing now and need to sleep, but I wanted to tell you everything before I left. I shall be gone a few weeks and will likely not be able to communicate much. But I will be back soon, and dear reader, I am sure I will have lots to tell you.