Snapped

Queen Bria left for the city, where she would spend three days, almost a week later. Sometimes I went with her, but this time she had hired a traveling companion who was more than a maid. This companion's duties included reading to her, conversing with her, and showing her the sights of the city. Queen Bria's requirements were handled by a separate maid because those tasks were outside the companion's rank.

I was fortunate enough to be allowed to stay at the castle. I made a tray with tea and cookies as soon as she left, and I carried it to the Prince's room. When I knocked and got in, I set the tray down in front of him.

I said, "I thought you might like these, sir."

He acknowledged with a nod. "Have you looked over the notes I sent you?"

"Yes, sir. I handed him four sheets of paper with his handwriting on them and said, "The foundational notes you gave me have in fact clarified the more advanced materials."

"Great. Instead of just giving you notes, I want to teach you directly today.

"Yes, sir."

“Please sit down in that chair and keep quiet for a second,” he said.

"Yes, sir." He pulled a tiny leather-bound book out of his desk drawer and sat down at the table across from me. This book is about creatures, monsters particularly. There is disagreement over their existence; some people are certain they exist, while others are not. Even if I'm not totally convinced, I find studying them to be really fulfilling. I think it will be just as fascinating to you. The first chapter explores Drakons, which are quite amazing animals. They have the ability to fly, breathe fire, and gather enormous amounts of wealth in their lairs. Drakons have omniscience, which allows them to know everything even if they haven't seen it firsthand. They are also immortal unless slain. Inquiring about the history of the planet would be wise if you ever made friends with a Drakon, since they would surely share their vast knowledge. I will let you read this chapter on your own.

He handed me the book. I said, "Thank you, sir," and accepted it respectfully.

The next chapter discusses Spekters, mysterious creatures who live in hilly areas. They cannot be killed using traditional methods since they are immortal. Spekters can change their shape at will, taking on any form they like, and they love tricking tourists into going to dangerous places. They have the ability to alter your view of the surroundings, turning a dangerous cliff into a welcoming field. You unintentionally follow their example and fall down the cliff. However, you can make a Spekter answer a single question or reveal one piece of information before it vanishes if you are able to capture it.

"That is absolutely horrifying!" I cried out.

Yes, it is. There is a way to tell a Spekter's actual nature, though, because they don't bleed. Naturally, it's not feasible to go around hurting everyone you meet in the mountains in order to get blood samples. However, you can be sure you've encountered a Spekter if someone is cut and no blood pours, such as from stepping on a sharp stone, or if a little wound doesn't create blood. But more often, their existence will be betrayed by their uncanny air.

"What amazing animals," I thought.

Indeed, Spekters are fascinating in and of themselves. Please pay close attention to that chapter, which comes after the one on Drakons. I have to complete the paper I'm writing, but if I'm not busy, come find me when you're done.

"Thank you, sir. I'll start reading right away! I gave him a curtsy and hurried out of the room after he nodded. What amazing creatures, Drakons and Spekters! But I was determined to take in every detail, real or not. I rushed to my chamber eagerly to start reading the book.

I went back to Prince Jase's room that night and knocked lightly on the door since I thought he might have already gone to bed. "Enter," he beckoned.

I carefully opened the door and entered the dimly lit room. "Mister?"

With a rustling, he lit a lantern and sent a gentle glow across the table, saying, "Ah, it's you." "Where have you been?"

"Pardon me, sir, but I only had time to read the chapters late in the day because Queen Bria gave me so many chores to complete."

"All right, come in and sit down."

"This is your book, sir, and I've brought you some tea. The descriptions of the creatures' lives captivated me.

Prince Jase suppressed a yawn and concurred, "Yes, their lives are fascinating."

Observing his exhaustion, I proposed that perhaps I should come back tomorrow. His eyes were far away, as if he were deep in contemplation. "I would be quite disappointed if you did," he said after a pause, "but the choice is yours."

"Oh, sir, I don't want to go; I just assumed you might be tired."

"I'm never too tired to help someone with their schooling. Pour me a cup of tea, please. I immediately poured a cup and handed it to him.

"I'm grateful," he said. I halted, the teapot hovering uncertainly, the cup still in my grasp as the words lingered in the air. I gazed at him in disbelief, and he returned my gaze with a mix of interest and worry. During my three years of devotion to the royal family, I had never heard Prince Jase say those things to me. I blinked, put down the teapot, and took a step back.

“How are you?” he asked.

"Yes, sir. I apologized," I muttered, still in shock.

"Then pour yourself some tea and settle down, please. I won't start until you feel at ease. I was even more surprised by his invitation. He wanted to share tea with me, a menial slave Queen Bria thought was stupid. Still, I sat down and poured a cup for myself, my hands shaking a little.

The Spryte is the last creature to be discussed, and it is a good one. These creatures live close to the ocean, but not in its waters. If you can find them, they are known to help people. Sprytes have a wealth of knowledge and are eager to share it with everyone who will listen. They may change their shape, become invisible, and sometimes even enter our world from theirs. In their actual state, they resemble glowing orbs that are somewhat bigger than a human palm. They are mortal, though, and can be smothered even if they are impervious to weapons like swords and arrows. Wicked men seize them, enclosing them in jars to watch them slowly die, bitter of the service they render to mankind, or at least to the righteous. A Spryte's life will end when their light spontaneously goes out after two hundred years if they are not killed.

Additionally, Sprytes are said to have therapeutic properties. You will be immune to disease if you catch one and hold it in your hands. Capturing a Spryte will heal you if you are already suffering from the condition. If you can't catch one, you can still get healing by drinking from the waterways they live in. Additionally, you will gain their friendship if you capture a Spryte and then release it. It is said that you might even be invited to visit their homes, that you will never get sick, and that they will help you whenever you call upon them. Sprytes are very amazing creatures that are incredibly fascinating.

"Sir, are there any known residents of the waters around here?" I inquired.

"I don't know of any, but it could happen," he answered.

"I believe I will now take a leave of absence, sir. Both of us appear worn out. I curtsied and picked up the tray. "Good night, sir. I appreciate you teaching me about the Sprytes."

"You're welcome. Read the remaining chapters of the book while carrying it with you. I went over to him and took the book.

"Thank you again, sir."

“Camryn, good night.” I was astonished when I heard my name on his lips. I turned at the door and stared at him for a while, then shook my head and left. Prince Jase was so strange tonight.