The peace at the Castle Arroyo is as constant as the tide. It comes and goes in waves, never gentle, and often sudden and harsh. It is calm and tranquil and out of the clear blue a storm breaks and it doesn't quit for days, blowing everything in its path and drowns us all in its wrath. Of course, it is usually controlled by the Queen. The Lady and I are often blind-sighted by it. I am lucky, for I am usually affronted by a dark cloud that doesn't speak. The Lady though, she's affronted by thunder and then it rains and pours and divides the land, creating a little moat that runs right through the castle. I try not to cross that bridge, but today I had no choice. I had to take the Queen into town to see the doctor. On the way it was quiet, so I tried to make conversation. So, what's new? Nothing, just disappointment. I thought maybe I would go with you all to California this time but apparently not. Silence. We rode up and down a hill and on the other side the mood lightened and we talked about other things. Nicer things. Maybe her temper is agitated by heights.