Maxim,

Bad news. Olga is now Lady of Avalon--absolute monarch. She struck Franconia with an earthquake and flooded the west Duchy of Terrebril. The damage done there is extensive and will take lifetimes to recover. Port Bril was washed away. Duke Bedivere signed the treaty naming Olga their Lady and Grand Duchess. The Terrebrillians have begun to pay a fortune in tribute and have sent more than 2000 recruits to the Lightning Guard.

Most Western countries are negotiating treaties with her, hoping to save something of their freedoms. The Lady accepts nothing less than unconditional surrender. The duchies and counties and free countries have little choice but to submit. The Eastern Countries are preparing for battle, according to father.

Olga keeps Ostsea frozen so the fish do not come South and the fisherman here and on the Continent are getting desperate. Birds migrating North can't nest in the winter, and animals come out of hibernation without food. Soon all of us will surrender to her or starve.

She must be addressed as 'My Lady' or Lady Olga, and called the Lady or Lady of Avalon, by her decree. To do otherwise is to risk a fine, or other punishment suitable to the perpetrator. Already several young men and women have been taken for hard labor.

Dad has mentioned it may be better for all if you never return, seal the Gate permanently, and live your life out in the Ordinary. Olga will have enough power to rule, but she can't live forever, and the magic should be almost used up when she dies. Without you, or a child of hers, there is no one to inherit. Dad says the Lady does not want children, for such a child could be a rival.

Take care, Max. We are comfortable here in High Lynne, and Glastonbury. When Olga feels secure, there will be stability, according to Dad, and he whispers to me, but no peace.

Your friend, 

Enid

*

Big E,

I grieve to hear of Avalon's travails, more to know my sister is behind them. I am undecided about trying to oppose her. My powers are almost mature, but I have little training and no experience. If Olga defeats me, and kills me, all the magic will be hers. I am no match for her, and we both know it.

I can't train myself. My powers are often haphazard and come and go. It's like puberty. I never know what will happen next. Uncle Nash worries about my future, too. If Aunt Joanie were alive, she could assist me. She also stored a big charge of magic here, but Uncle Nash and I can't find it. If Dad hadn't started Willow for me, I wouldn't have a magical pet.

Please keep in touch when you can. I miss you all, and home too. I am content here in the Ordinary with Uncle Nash, and my new friends--it is a fine world, but a part of me will always have Avalon for its home.

Max