Letter to Uriah Styx (7th Auril)

7th Auril, 1222

Dear Mr. Styx,

I hope this letter finds you well—that your gouty leg will not bother you even when the cold weather arrives! Sorry for my long silence. I am afraid that we must tarry in Dranseri longer than expected. Don’t worry: your boat is safely docked, and we will pay you a bonus fee for allowing us to keep her so long. (I wish I could return her to you sooner, but I cannot leave my friends right now—hopefully we will be able to leave for the Glade next week.)

Don’t be angry, but I almost hear you muttering under your breath, “You may be able to pay for my missing boat, but who will pay for my missing assistant?” And you would be right. I have been a terrible apprentice in the past few months. Since Mielikki, I’ve probably spent only a handful of days actually helping you on the river—and at your busiest time of the year. 

To speak frankly, I’ve been thinking about this matter for a while, and I don’t think it’s fair for me to expect you to keep my position any longer. Of course, I’d be happy to help you if you need an extra hand whenever I’m in the Glade, but you should start advertising for a new apprenticeship soon—certainly before the next trapping season begins.

I will miss staying at the old lockkeeper’s house, especially playing with Captain Flint [Mr. Styx’s cat] and listening to your stories. If you need my room for your new apprentice before I return, please store my belongings in the sea-chest at the foot of my bed. I don’t have much but there are a few things that mean a lot for sentimental reasons.

Hearing me relate some of my recent experiences, my best friend Caedmon said to me, “It doesn’t even sound like you anymore, Teal!” Sometimes it’s hard even for me to recognize myself. So much has happened in recent months, especially since we left for the city. I’m sorry I let you down. But I do want to act more responsibly. The truth is I don’t know how long I will be on the road, and even if I’ll stay much longer in the Glade. It’s better for me to be honest so that you can get the help you deserve. 

One last favor for now: please feed the pair of wild ducks that come to the lock every evening. Dewey and Dabble will wonder what happened to their dinner!

I look forward to seeing you when I return.

Yours truly,

Teal Peggotty