Kate held Ally to her chest as she stood up. She led Jacques downstairs. She was curious about the letter but did not say a word. She found her father as he was coming inside the back door. He had spoken with his officers and noticed the guards had been doubled. The mage knew it must have to do with Jacques. Lord Draco's reputation was horrible. Although he was south both lords and kings kept spies and assassins. It was no secret that even mages took on these duties. She felt safe under her father's protection.<br/><br/>Lyons passed the kitchen upon seeing the young lad and motioned him to his study, "I hope your feeling better. Come in I see you found your father's letter. I everything in order?"<br/>He closed the door behind Jacques and lumbered to the fireplace. He lifted a long tavern pipe from the mantel and lit kindling from the fireplace. He took a drag. "Sit lad and tell me all your father said. We cannot be too complacent. I know King Draco's ambitions and we will be alert until we have word that he will stand down. I know you might think we are safe. As long as you are here, you will begin your training as soon as Kate releases you."<br/><br/>As both men entered the study, Kate padded to the kitchen for a try of gingerbread cookies and hot apple cider. She took the tray and made her way to the attic. She set down Ally and the tray on an old faded braided rug and rummaged through a box of her and her brothers old WinterFest decorations.  She held a large snowglobe and would the brass key. She turned it over then set it on the floor beside Ally. "This is a snowglobe music box. It plays a carol. A pretty song. When you get bigger I will teach you to dance."<br/>Kate sang to her is a soft soprano voice, " Dada la da. Into the meadow all covered with snow.  La da lada la da.  It a grand time of the year...."