A Cadence on the Stars

January 5

Dearest Finley,

We arrived at Rose Castle. We’re hopeful their Medicus and Healers can determine what plagues the Queen, our dear Momma. Alchemist Matlock’s pledged to discern the dark magic and to reverse its effects. Herbalist Loree’s committed also. Lady Paula’s graciously placed her Court at our disposal. She’s granted us her Apothecary, Cunning-Man, Rootworker, and Wise-Woman. Heaven’s ordained true blessings with their willingness to aid us.

Upon arrival, Momma’s temperature was boiling. Unable to rise from the carriage, front-post guards carried her. She said an internal fire consumed her, shredding her insides. This isn’t her recent battle injury, but a grave bewitchment.

I’ll remain here until her condition’s lightened. I’ll keep you abreast of the situation. Please console Maggie, Eislyn, and Ambrosias. Worry will consume them if their focus isn’t redirected. Have Sir Barry instruct the Knights and Shieldmaidens to man all points until we know who’s responsible for this unspeakable act. Ask all to pray. We’re in need of a high miracle, I fear. Assure everyone, our Queen’s warrior spirit will prevail. A foe’s yet to defeat her, she’ll not allow it now.

I await your rescript and pray the kingdom’s well. There’s no better soul than yours to keep them in our absence.

Faithfully your brother and King,

Didymus

January 12

Dear Didymus,

The kingdom exhaled exulted relief with your pronouncement. Everyone’s taken initiative for vigils and volunteering. A testament to Momma’s vision and your unwavering servitude and kindness. Let it comfort you both that in dire crisis, the kingdom remains devoted to you and each other. What a foundation, an oasis, we’ve all created.

Sir Barry sent Sir Declan and Sir Sullivan scouting kingdoms while Dame Tullia and Dame Keavy deployed their prowess speaking to subjects in each. Our fellow canine Knights and Shield-maidens slipped in unnoticed with stealth our human Knights rightfully feared they dispossessed. They validated our suspicions. King Michael’s responsible for Momma’s bewitchment. He’s determined to overthrow our kingdom, procure our land, and enslave our non-human subjects as battalion spies given their gift of speech. He intends to imprison our family, silence us, ensuring our efforts forgotten. Our human subjects and Court who aren’t erased will be forced into labor camps, smothering uprisings and memories of what we’ve built.

Sorcerer Leon, his trusted advisor, cast the hex. Sir Oberon and Dame Portia volunteered to disguise as familiars pursuing servitude. They’ll uncover the curse so Matlock can reverse its torment. They’re eager to leave with both of your blessing. As our strongest, most elite feline soldiers in our defense regimen, they’re our best qualified dark arts scholars. Sullivan spoke with Michael’s human Knights who embrace our vision—protective allies for the felines.

Pass our devotion, deepest love, and encouragement to Momma. Take comfort, both of you, that we’re safeguarded. Everyone’s requesting assignments, not hesitating to protect the kingdom—united in commitment to you both.

I await more news. My heart longs for your safe return and our dear Momma’s resurgence in health.

With deepest dedication, your brother,

Sir Finley

January 20

Dearest Finley,

Your letter brought indescribable solace. Everyone’s faith in our kingdom’s protection delivers brightness amidst gray skies. Their devotion’s an honor. We couldn’t ask for a better home.

I’m enraged by Michael’s transgression, though profoundly expected. I cannot understand his resistance to a compassionate, cohesive world where merit of soul outweighs bloodline, greed, or name. True power’s not brute-force command; it’s example-led servitude. He’s long envied our success. His intentions for our subjects cannot stand. Nor his attack on Momma. Advise Portia and Oberon our blessing’s granted. The crown’s weight surrounds them. Impart my sincerest gratitude.

The boiling’s settled for Momma, but her tormented affliction persists. Matlock’s advised she’s stable, but remains in dark clutches. She’s ordered I return to lead the counter and protect our people as she’s in masterful hands. Despite desiring to stay, she’s right. We’ll stand with our warriors in a fortnight. Once you receive this, I’ll be just a week more. Instruct the Knights and Shield-maidens to carry on. My pride’s boundless for their efforts.

As always, convey our love and gratefulness to all. Advise Heaven hears their prayers—we feel them. Send urgent rescript if further development. You know my travel path. My heart remains with you. Our kingdom’s secured by no greater warrior.

Faithfully your brother and King,

Didymus

February 3

My Dearest Momma,

I pray this finds your relief multiplied. Home welcomed me with overwhelming warmth. The kingdom rumbled with concern, everyone eager for news of your condition and return. Our battalions’ preparations are further along than anticipated. Sir Barry said groundwork for battle began when we departed for Rose Castle. Pride engulfs me for their fortitude. We’ll be ready for our counterattack and the procurement of the bewitchment.

Oberon and Portia breached Michael’s walls Sunday. Sorcerer Leon accepted them as abandoned familiars. They’ve pledged as his spies. They’ll discern Leon’s bewitchment in no time. Their brother Antonio’s disguised as a stray, a failsafe for their protection. Sir Sullivan’s contacts inside reported their safe arrival. Be still, they’re well-guarded. I’ll keep you abreast of their status.

The kingdom’s otherwise operating efficiently. Everyone’s performing extra duties so we’re prepared, without delay or shortcomings, when our soldiers deploy and our numbers temporarily decline. Vigils for your healing are constant. Your heart’s infiltrated every corner of this kingdom—and afar. Several neighbors sent word of the same practice and pledged squadrons at our disposal.

Matlock advised of your progress. I’m thankful Heaven freed you of the fevered torment. He says your resilience and positivity deepen his resolve in night’s lingering stillness. Their Healers have found strength in yours, vowing their hearts cannot rest until you’re delivered from this evil. Our blessings are immeasurable. My heart’s assured they’ll achieve this, but I desperately wish it soon. Your absence dims the sun and depletes the comforting essence within these walls. There’s a void in my soul that only your return shall refill. I pray answers are discovered swiftly so your health’s restored.

Finley’s steadfast in his command; his façade impenetrable to the kingdom. But I feel the shockwave of distress, see his eyes filtering heartache. Don’t fret, my promise to keep him grounded is as natural as breathing. The old boy deeply misses you. His sight may have taken leave and his mind faltering in quiet moments, but he’s still an instinctive commander. I’m in awe. He mapped days of battle strategy in my absence. Sir Barry confirmed not a single point’s out of place. We fine-tune defensive strategy tomorrow. At week’s end, I meet with our allies to formulate how they can support us.

As for Maggie and the twins, they’ve garnered a strength mirroring yours. I’ve assigned their posts. Additionally, Maggie took charge of ration storage for battle; Eislyn inventoried our artillery storehouses—securing more from allies; Ambrosias readied our stables and wagons. Rest comfortably, your children are conquering their distress and channeling it into productivity to be proud of.

I’m trying to channel mine. Leaving you shattered my heart, but you’re right, I’m needed here. I wish I could reverse your suffering now. In time, with our kingdom’s aid, we shall. I miss you like sun misses day. I’ll return soon. I’m confident we’re not only prepared for our counter, we’re primed to defend assaults.

Rest easy. Seek my heart’s cadence on the stars. It’s there whenever you need. No amount of distance or bewitched-blackness can weaken my love. I eagerly await news of better fortune in your health.

Devotedly, all my love, your son,

Didymus

February 16

My Darling Didymus,

Your letter finally arrived. Ice caused delay. The pass’s completely frozen, most roads impassable. I’m stronger, but weakness and pain still overpower me. Matlock’s tried many reversal elixirs—even spells—to no avail. My heart nearly lost against one elixir. This bewitchment conceals an unprecedented resistance. When something tries to reverse it, it releases a counterattack, seizing my heart, stealing my breath. Gravity evaporated as blood vacated my heart and air departed my lungs. I prayed, clinging to visions of you and our family. I envisioned the stars as you always instruct, imagined your heartbeat pulling mine from despair’s murky depths. When your letter arrived, your mention of that cadence confirmed even apart, our hearts beat together. One soul, two bodies. Despite everything, fear never clutched me. An unwavering peace, as if love from you all wrapped me, and your heart’s rhythmic tempo shielded me, preventing darkness from consuming me. Matlock’s determined to reverse this, barely stopping for nourishment. The felines’ plan solidified his hope victory’s coming. Lady Paula’s steadfast in her vigil. I’m grateful for such companionship in your absence.

I’m not surprised Antonio joined his siblings. He’s fiercely protective. It’s great comfort they have allies and Antonio’s vigilance. Puck’s likely secreted outside as messenger. Their sibling bond’s unshakeable. I pray they remain safe and find answers soon. Matlock confirmed they’ve never encountered a curse so strong, volatile. I’m saddened Leon expends his talents for darkness. If only he used them for good.

News of Michael’s scheme’s expected. What goodness he could do if he conquered evil rather than become it. Be careful Didymus. He’s cunning, more slithery than the worst serpent hiding amongst the grass. His venom’s dangerous. You possess a stroke of favor. He’s arrogant and habitually underestimates his foes. He surely underestimates you, my sweet. Ignorance will be his undoing. He’s never believed you a rightful King, nor capable of leading or executing battles, even when faced with your success. To him, a King’s only by birthright, stature. A pure-hearted, small-statured chosen heir cannot be a battle-victorious ruler. Ever. Use that. Lean into his arrogance. Weaponize it. My soul exudes confidence you’ll triumph. I’ve no doubt in your leadership or our kingdom’s abilities.

Your report of the others, their ascension from stress to taking charge of their duties, is uplifting. I’m most relieved with Finley. His heart’s pure, larger than his form. I regret my absence causing his mind distress. Your support and his inherent leadership will carry him. Thank you, for being the constant your brother needs.

I’m in the best hands next to yours. I’ve no intention of succumbing. Matlock fears if we don’t reverse this soon, my life’s trajectory’s short. I’ve directed him to dwell no more on that. We’ve too much left to do, travels to share, to advocate merit-of-soul. I’ll overcome.

Don’t fret for me. When distress sets in, seek the stars. Our hearts connect in their firelight. I’m proud of you Didymus. Our kingdom’s safest under your command. I miss you dearly. My heart aches to return to you all. Soon.

All my love and pride, your Queen,

Momma

February 12

My Dearest Momma,

My last letter’s likely delayed, ice blankets all. A rider’s rushing this. I pray your health’s rising with each moon. I regret being brief, time’s not a luxury. Puck brought word, Michael’s forces departed last night. They’ll arrive upon our door—three days. We’re deploying now. To prevent devastation across our threshold or upon their innocents, we’ll intercept at the boundary. Innocents shouldn’t suffer battle. Oberon confirmed, Michael believes I’m at Rose. With Finley’s failed sight and ailing mind, he’s certain we’re defenseless. He doubts our joint forces’ capabilities—animals aren’t soldiers, regardless of speech; only weak humans believe them such. And a King of my caliber’s no threat. Your intuition of his weakness, precise. I’ll lean into it as you command.

My soul’s divided. My place’s beside you. Yet, my place’s alongside our soldiers, defending our kingdom; beside our subjects. My calling’s heavy, but an armor forging onward. Your voice ricochets within me, “A mighty soul in such a tiny frame.” It’ll carry my fog-covered heart through battle. We’ll ascertain the reversal. I’ll not rest until then. I want answers like the pass wants spring. I’ll rejoin you when I can. Until then, focus on healing. Your kingdom awaits you. I await.

All my love, unwavering, your son,

Didymus

February 17

Darling Didymus,

Your letter just arrived. I’m writing in haste, Paula’s rider’s leaving before dawn with both my letters. My heart feels the weight of yours. Know I share the burden. You’re a master General, Didymus, our perfect King. I’m confident you’ll prevail. Confident you’ll keep both kingdoms’ innocents safe. Your instincts uncanny. I’m proud of your foresight. Take care of yourself. Be mindful of the serpent’s disguise. Bring everyone home. And any who wish for an escape from Michael. Bring yourself home. May the Lord bless you and keep you, my son. I know angels walk within your servant’s heart.

Dwell not on me. Behind every shadow’s a light. This body’s not relinquishing yet. I’ll win my battle and so will you. So will you.

My heart resounds with yours. At your direct side it longs to be, but distance is only geography. One soul, two bodies; it fights with you. Let its cadence ground you. Take care, my love.

All my love, fight, and pride, your Queen,

Momma

February 26

Dearest Momma,

Your resolve bolsters me. Hearing the struggles you’ve endured shatters me, yet I know there’s no stronger soul on Earth. You cannot hide your toils from me. They protrude from the page. My skin prickles with the pain surges you bear.

I regret we’re not beside you. I pray this battle ceases, your affliction ceases, every moment.

Forgive my fleeting reply, we’re advancing as I write. We’ve secured our borders, pushing him back to his middle territory. My sinew’s taut with coming victory. My ears twitched with sounds of his left wing’s retreat last dawn. This morning I scented discord among his dexter flank. They’ll fallback by evening.

Stay strong, continue your defiance of his darkness. Puck reported Portia isolated the reversal spells. We’ll receive further report shortly. Barry’s pledged high command so I can take leave to ensure its arrival once secure. In interim, our love is yours.

Every ounce within me, your son,

Didymus

March 1

Darling Didymus,

I’m overjoyed at your advancement, his losing forces. Paula’s stationed riders to carry correspondence quicker from you, each riding overnight. You now must forgive my rapidity, I’m weaker today. Temporarily. The episode will fade. Matlock’s concerned darkness traps my organs. This will pass. God’s not ordained my presence yet. I know He’ll shroud me if he does. While time’s of essence, I’m assured that my time’s not forthcoming. My torso ripples with torment, my throat angered to impassable, my skin’s seething yellow. Outwardly, bleakness rises. Yet you know outwardly’s never truly depicted me. Carriers took Matlock’s report. Trust me, the bleakness, no match for what remains inside. I pray our next correspondence’s news of your arrival.

Much more I wish to say. My veins pulse with recognition that your victory is imminent, the felines’ acquirement near-term, your arrival impending, and my return home destined.

My love, confidence, your Queen,

Momma

March 3

My Dearest Momma,

The battle’s ended. We’ve prevailed. Michael’s forces retreated. The war’s not over, but this battle and your resurgence has been won. Michael’s underestimation of what a joint kingdom can accomplish—what a small-statured Poodle King can accomplish with them—has no doubt sparked his downfall. A vast number of his subjects are traveling to our kingdom seeking solace, a home. With blessing, Finley’s decreed their welcome. Our allies have arrived across all theaters.

The felines procured the bewitchment’s reversal. Their Knight-allies whisked them to safety. They’re due by twilight. They’ve requested servitude. Puck advised they’re worthy of asylum. We leave upon their arrival, everyone’s eager. Our falconry regime will deliver this swiftly. Hold fast. We’re coming. I’m coming. Four days.

By dawn, your kingdom will rejoice for many blessings. You’ll feel their joy soon.

In victory, all my love, your son,

Didymus

March 4

Dearest Finley,

Matlock’s already made the reversal. Momma’s in grave condition, but he’s optimistic we’ve arrived in time to fully reverse this. Momma’s brightness hasn’t dimmed. She’s demanding full battle reports and preparations continue. She’s eager for news on our new members. Michael underestimated this Queen. She’s ordering I meet with high counsel so forgive my brevity. I didn’t want you waiting. I’ll update once we know more.

Joyously your brother and King,

Didymus

March 12

Dearest Finley,

The reversal’s successful. Our dear Momma is gradually reclaiming her health. Matlock anticipates within the month she can travel. Our allies are in position, ready for any response. I travel at dawn to secure more supplies and reinforcements. Loree will send word in my absence.

Faithfully your brother and King,

Didymus

March 29

Dearest Finley,

Announce a celebration’s coming! Momma’s cleared for travel. She’s instructed this be brief so we can leave immediately. Ready the kingdom. We’ve much to celebrate. A victory. Newcomers. Success. And our dear Momma. March 12, open the gates in thankful celebration.

We’re coming home.

Faithfully your brother and King,

Didymus.

Dedicated In Memory of

The Perfect King. Who lived virtuously, courageously, and loved truly unconditionally. Whose servant’s heart destined him for medical service. My soulmate.

He was love in its purest form,

The bravest Knight I ever knew,

An unmatched Sasquatch hunter.

Love is being owned by a poodle,

Especially one named Ditto.

His story is the greatest ever told.

Also in Memory of

My big brother, Matlock Rose,

Whom Heaven reclaimed June 12, 2026.

Chosen family, a gift from God.

No kinder, gentler, more Godly soul walked Earth.

He inspired a scholarship essay, never missed my events, and was always a call away.

I long for those calls now.

He made the world warmer, more complete, and full of love.

Based on my service dog, Sir Didymus Ditto Mehaffey whom Heaven reclaimed April 28, 2026 following a battle with CKD and a brainstem tumor after more than fourteen years of dedication.

All characters represent our wonderful family—human and animal. Those with us and those brave hospice fosters and loved ones who’ve departed us physically but not spiritually.