The Lost Letters of Xandra the Sorceress

     I have been watching your progress, both within the ranks of our clandestine league and in your magical studies, and I must say I am truly impressed. You have risen through our ranks with commendable speed for one so young, and have proven yourself by aiding in several important schemes. Your studies, too, are progressing wonderfully, and you will soon outstrip your teacher, who is certainly one of the most powerful sorcerers in Neopia.

     You are, I believe, just the Neopet I have been looking for to aid me in a rather large and complex plan. Enclosed is an application form for the Faerieland Magic Academy; the application deadline is the 1st of Running. Do not worry about getting accepted, nor about the tuition fees; they will be taken care of.

     Sincerely,

     The Duchess

     -----

     My Lady,

     My thanks for your words of praise, and the trust you have placed in me. Might I be allowed to know what you would have me do at the Faerieland Magic Academy?

     Your obedient servant,

     Xandra

     -----

     Dear Xandra,

     I thought that would be obvious, would it not? You are being sent there to learn how to master the powerful magic you possess. Though any pertinent information you can gather about the faeries would, of course, be most welcome. Keep your eyes and ears open.

     Sincerely,

     The Duchess

     -----

     Dear Xandra,

     Congratulations! You have been accepted to the Faerieland Magic Academy, Neopia's most prestigious and elite school of sorcery. The school year starts on the first of Hiding, with new student orientation and move-in beginning on the 24th of Swimming. Enclosed is your schedule for the upcoming school year, and a list of required supplies. Have a great year!

     Sincerely,

     Ferilina

     Dean of Students

     Faerieland Magic Academy

     -----

     My Lady,

     With all due respect, I still cannot figure out why you want me here. After three years at the Faerieland Magic Academy, the only thing I have to report is that the faeries appear to be complete frauds. They have all this magical power, and yet they use it to do their housework while they bicker with each other. Even Jhudora, who by my calculations has collected enough spell components to cast every known spell several times over, only uses her magic to terrorize innocent Neopets and annoy Illusen. And yet they think they're so perfect! It's crazy!

     My apologies for the harsh tone of this letter, but I could not find any better way of expressing myself.

     Your obedient servant,

     Xandra

     -----

     Dear Xandra,

     Do not underestimate the faeries. They are quite often flightier than a Flightning Bug and vainer than an Uni, but they do possess a great deal of power, and the brains to use it for their own ends. I do agree with you, however, that the faeries need to be taught a lesson in humility, and soon you will be in a position to help me with just that. For now, continue your studies, and try to act like you are in awe of the faeries.

     Sincerely,

     The Duchess

     -----

     Dear Xandra,

     Due to your impressive results in your recent final exams, and the recommendations of your instructors at the Faerieland Magic Academy, I am delighted to inform you that you have been granted the high honor of continuing your magical studies under the tutelage of Queen Fyora herself. As it is not possible for the Faerie Queen to interrupt her schedule to meet with you elsewhere, a suite of rooms in the Faerie Queen's Palace has been set aside for your use, and you will will be expected to reside there for the duration of your studies. Your duties, apart from your lessons, will consist of assigned reading and aiding the Queen in her magical experiments when she requires it. You will, of course, have special access to the Royal Faerieland Library, and you will be permitted to attend any Open Court sessions you wish, within reason. We expect you at the Palace no later than 5:00 PM on the 24th of Relaxing. Congratulations on achieving this high honor.

     Sincerely,

     Alorne

     Secretary to Queen Fyora

     -----

     Dear Xandra,

     A word of warning: do not underestimate Fyora. She has ruled for centuries over a people that bicker like Kadoaties over a Draik Egg and gossip more than servants, yet she is still very respected in Faerieland, and in the rest of Neopia. Do your best to convince her that you are an obedient, trustworthy, awestruck young apprentice, and work hard at your studies. My agent in Faerieland will make herself known to you at the earliest opportunity, though I suggest you take extra care when you go to meet with her. Anything you do not want Fyora's servants to find you may leave with my agent. Take care, and report to me when you have something to say.

     Sincerely,

     The Duchess

     -----

     My Lady,

     The more time I spend here, the harder it gets to play the part you've assigned me. I cannot believe Fyora sits up here on her throne, oblivious to the events of Neopia, when she has so much power and wealth at her command. The faeries could easily have stopped the Meridell-Darigan wars, or feed every hungry Neopet in Neopia, yet Fyora refuses to get involved in anything outside of Faerieland! I sometimes think I could do a better job of ruling Faerieland than Fyora ever could!

     In other news, my studies are progressing well enough, though there are a number of things Fyora refuses to teach me. There are, of course, all the usual court scandals and gossip, though your agent here claims she'll pass those on to you. So, of course, I've included that information in another letter. Is there anything else I'm supposed to be doing here?

     Your obedient servant,

     Xandra

     -----

     Dear Xandra,

     An interesting observation, though I doubt the faeries would ever give you the chance to prove yourself as their queen. Have you discovered the faeries' weaknesses, by any chance?

     Incidentally, I recently came into possession of the whereabouts of a pair of ancient faerie artifacts known as the Meepit's Eyes, and I'll send this information to you, for inspiration.

     Sincerely,

     The Duchess

     -----

     My Lady,

     I must express my utmost thanks to you for ridding me, and all of Neopia, of that insufferable Xweetok sorceress. I shall certainly sleep better at night knowing that she is now a stone statue in some unknown location in Faerieland (though I assume you know exactly where Fyora is keeping her). Would it be too much to ask for you to use your influence with Fyora to make sure Xandra remains petrified for a long, long time?

     The new location of the Darkest Faerie is, as you requested, included in this letter, you know where and how.

     Your obedient servant,

     Lord Meersham

     -----

     Dear Lord Meersham,

     Xandra has served her purpose, and I will indeed see to it that she does not interfere with my schemes for some time.

     Speaking of schemes, now that King Altador is off on a quest for his fair lady, in search of the statue he will never find, you should be able to proceed with our plans for Altador. I have it on good authority that Psellia and Siyana are currently too shocked and weakened to interfere, and Jerdana is far too busy ruling in Altador's stead, so you shouldn't have any problems completing your parts of the plan. Do not fail me in this.

     Sincerely,

     The Duchess

The End