Prince Avenant awoke to the sound of pounding at his chamber door.

“My prince,” a voice called out, “forgive the intrusion, but the book has been opened.”

Avenant was already sitting up. 

“The book?” he repeated, “You’re certain?”

The servant, young, pale, and visibly disturbed. “The ground rumbled. The water in the reflecting basin began tom churn, just for a moment. Madame Blanche says it hasn’t happened since… since her time.”

Avenant stood, pulling his cloak together. The old stories were no longer stories. The riddles hidden in nursery rhymes, the promises sealed in ink and colours stirred at last.

“Then it has begun,” he said quietly. “Which world?”

“We do not know yet,” came the reply. “The trail is… new. Human-new.”

Avenant allowed himself the faintest smile. He crossed to the window and tapped twice against the glass. A moment later, a small silver-scaled fish surfaced in the fountain below, blinking up at him with knowing eyes.

“Seems we’re needed again, my friend,” Avenant murmured. “A girl has stepped into the tale.”