Moriarty-
At Merle's bidding, Jada followed the little creature to a room
in the north tower of the castle. As she entered the room
she paused, but the ferret whisked past her and climbed
onto the table to greet the young woman sitting there, who
looked up and smiled.

"Come on in, Jada, and close the door", she said. "I am
called Liia, and I am a friend of Merle's."

"Liia? Are you... you were Jandra's maid, were you not? I
thought my father had you thrown out for neglecting your
duties..."

"He would have done, had he been able to find me.
However, I am not without my skill in magic, and was able
to avoid those he sent for me. Come, my dear, we have little
time. Prince Padraic nears the castle of the frost giant,
alone, even now."

"Padraic?" Jada's mind was in a whirl. But, for all her sister's
beauty and charm, Jada was the calmer, cooler and
quicker-thinking, and she made the associations quickly.
"He has... survived the journey? Will he rescue my sister
then?"

Liia smiled sadly. "That is up to you, my dear girl. My
husband was taken by the giants and made a wolf to hunt
with their packs, but I have drawn him back to me with
Merle's help... though I can restore neither his form nor his
memory."

She looked grief-stricken for a moment, then continued. "He
and I have guided the prince as far as we can, but Wolvern
cannot enter the castle, nor approach the giant. This is why
we need you. We must have Jandra safe before we can
move against King Eldric."

Hermia001-
“What can I do to help?” Was Jada’s confused, but
determined reply.

“We need to find a way to make Tegraine want to release 
your sister.” Answered Liia.

“Hurry. We must leave now. Padraic needs our help.”
Whispered the small ferret.

Jada turned to leave the room. When she realized the other
two had not moved, she turned back. “Why do you just sit
there? We must leave at once.” She demanded.

“But where are you going, young princess? We can leave at
once. Magic and a following wind can take us there." Merle
scurried over to Jada and looked up at her with bright eyes.

Jada’s laughter was lilting and musical as she leaned over
and picked up the white ferret and safely tucked him under
her arm. He was instantly amazed at her determination. He
looked up at her in complete adoration. Liia didn’t miss the
look and chuckled. Jada extended her hand to Liia and they 
ran down the hall toward her rooms. She explained to them
that if she were going to the frozen kingdom, she would
need some warmer clothing. 

Upon reaching her room, Jada realized that she had never
ventured outside the palace grounds, and therefore had no
'warm' clothing. Nor did she possess a heavy cloak. It was
not likely that the deep purple velvet cloak would afford her
much protection. She grabbed it anyway and quickly
changed into a gown that had fewer jewels and longer
sleeves. Poor Merle was so embarrassed that he ran
headlong into Liia’s legs and covered his face with her
dress tail. Both women laughed at his discomfort.

I think my dear friend is quite taken with you, Princess. Liia
giggled and picked up the ferret who still had his paws over
his eyes.

Yes so it seems, my friend.  Jada had taken a drawstring
purse and jammed several handfuls of her jewels inside.
You never know when you will need some bargaining
power.

We will go visit a friend of mine. I can borrow some of his
. Umm. His warm things. The princess blushed at the
thought of wearing Danel’s clothing. Let's go. She urged. 

Princess, I strongly object to this folly. You do not know 
what you are getting into. You do not know who these
people….  This lady and her creature. You do not know 
them, Princess.

At this Jada showed Danel the contract that she had taken
from the hearth in her father’s study. Merle knew of this.
That is when he approached me. Don’t you see, Danel?
I have to go.” Jada’s eyes held a spark of anger as she
looked up into his.

Then I will go with you, my Princess. I would feel better
knowing you had some protection.  He rummaged around
and found extra clothing for the princess, including a pair of
knee-length, fur-lined boots for her. He tossed her an extra
pair of woolen stockings. She sat on the edge of his bed
and quickly removed her slippers and donned the stockings
and boots, affording Danel a slight view of her shapely
calves. Realizing her mistake, Jada looked up into Danel’s
grinning face. He turned his back as she finished pulling on
the second boot. Merle chittered unhappily at the soldier’s
indiscretion.

Danel, you are an uncouth cretin.  Jada giggled as she
turned to Liia.  Let's go.  Her voice took on a serious edge.

Indeed, Princess.  And with that they were instantly
transported to the exact spot where Prince Padraic and
Wolvern stood, studying the castle of Tegraine.