A Bunch of Grapes
- Guess what Part 3 is called? Yup—"Ramdatta." Bet you didn't even have to put on your magical thinking cap to figure that one out either… Good job.
- But anyway, back to our story. As Faheel floats off into the sunset, Meena complains that they're supposed to find a magician to help them with little guidance (14.3). The next morning Alnor is grouchy, but after Tilja tells them about her journey, Tahl is super-curious about how the Empire is surviving post-Emperor (14.7). Everything will be upside-down, Meena thinks (14.11). Tilja doesn't pay much attention, but remembers that she didn't tell them everything about what she experienced on Faheel's island (14.12).
- She's got to come to terms with the fact she has real magic. Tilja realizes she's discovered a new version of herself and needs to find a home for her new self—Woodbourne won't do forever (14.13). She imagines a clear lake in the mountains, where raging waters calm down (14.13). Maybe it's like her powers—she channels magic into a calm power. She realizes just how much her life has changed—and while she can't stay in the Valley or Woodbourne, she has to be in the Empire, where the magic is (14.16).
- The Empire draws closer, thanks to the fish-man steering their boat (14.17). When they go on-shore, Meena and Alnor eat the grapes as Faheel ordered, even though Alnor is cranky because he resents not being in control for once (14.25-26). Suddenly Tilja and Tahl notice that Meena and Alnor look different (14.32). Both are significantly younger—Alnor can see, and Meena's hip is fine (1.38-40). Meena now praises Faheel, and the two follow his instructions, turning about and finishing the grapes (14:45). The more they eat, the younger they look (14.54). Finally the two look at themselves in a pool—Meena is young and pretty, while Alnor looks like a much younger version of himself (14.58).
- Tilja's super-confident in her ability to complete her mission (14.75). At night though, something weird happens, knocking the others—but not Til herself—over (14.76). It's loose magic that's gone untamed since the Watchers are no longer around (14.84). They all hold hands from here on out to tap into Tilja's powers; on the journey, Tilja and Meena become good friends (14.88).
- Meena compares the mindset of her older self to memories being shut away in a closed-off room (14.93), but she likes focusing on her youthful self. Overall she's a much happier person, which Tilja loves (14.94). Wouldn't you? Tahl and Alnor aren't getting along in the same way (14.95). The guys are typical dudes—not sure how to approach their relationship now. Tahl predicts their grandparents will fall in love—finally a hint of romance (14.103-104)!
- On their way north the group stops off at the city of Ramram, where they go to a fair (14.107). Meena's eager to spend some money and have fun (14.108), and Tilja wants to go get Calico back (14.112). Tahl and Tilja pair up to look around and Meena and Alnor wander off (14.116). Tilja gets goodies for her sister and mother (14.117), then picks Calico up from the horse dealer (14.123). The dealer found it hard to travel with horses when there was strange magic blowing around (14.128). Calico's not a happy camper—she's not the cheeriest of horses in general—which makes traveling not too fun (14.138).
- The next morning, Tahl asks Tilja if Faheel said anything about the magician that will track them down (14.139). Tilja shakes her head and doesn't say anything—she doesn't want to lie outright (14.140); Tahl wants to know even more about her time with Faheel, but she doesn't say much (14.142-143). She feels really guilty (14.147) and worries about Tahl finding stuff out.