by Sarah Noffke
“That’s at least a hundred feet up.” Azure was astonished that it had come to this.
“And we’ll be eaten by a werewolf,” Ever added, shaking his head.
“We’ll die here!” the werecat screamed, her voice shrill. Ever slammed his hands to his ears and Azure followed. Laurel’s voice was painful at that range.
“Calm down. We’ll get out of here, even if I have to blow up the tunnel,” Azure said, trying to relax.
“Which will blow us up, most likely. I already considered that.” Ever chanced pulling his hand away from the dirt, and when it didn’t buckle, he let out a breath of relief.
“Azure! Is that you?” a muffled voice said through the dirt.
The witch bolted forward, knocking hard into Ever. “Monet!”
“Are you in the side of the mountain?” someone asked.
“Monet, yes! It’s us! There’s a trap door,” Azure said, her chest suddenly buzzing with relief.
“It’s right here,” Laurel urged and then kicked the ground under her.
“The ground just moved right there,” Gillian observed. “Start digging.”
“Or use magic,” Monet suggested.
“No!” All three trapped in the tunnel screamed.
“You might blow us up,” Azure said, repeating Ever’s words from a moment before.
“Oh, fine. You’re never any fun,” Monet mumbled, his voice sounding taxed like he was working.
Laurel began pushing on her side again. “Yes, that’s it. The door is starting to move.”
“Who is that?” Monet asked, sounding curious.
“A hottie witch I brought back for you. She loves guys with green hair and is self-proclaimed easy,” Azure said, gleeful that they were actually going to escape.
Ever gave her a sideways smile. “Ha, very clever.”
“You got the hottie part right,” Laurel agreed, breathless again from scratching at the door.
“Monet is allergic to cats, which is why my familiar Finswick loves to lie on his robes when he isn’t around.” Azure was suddenly homesick for her cat, Gran, her mother, and the House of Enchanted. She might have even missed Blisters a tiny bit.
“I think I’d like Finswick,” Laurel said, ramming both her feet into the door. A sliver of light filtered into the dark tunnel.
“We’re almost there!” Ever yelled, hope in his voice.
Again Laurel rammed both feet into the trap door. It split in half, and evening light spilled into the chute. Laurel rolled out, and having lost the wedge, Ever and Azure tumbled down after her.
Azure pushed herself to the right, away from the tangled bodies on the ground. Monet was standing above her with a hand extended. She reached out and allowed him to pull her up, the large book still pressed to her chest.
“What the fuck were you doing in there?” Monet asked after checking her over. He knelt and stared into the chute where they’d been trapped.
“Oh, you know, just hanging out.” Azure coughed, feeling the particles of dirt coating her throat. Ever and Laurel were both brushing dirt off their faces.
“Are you all okay?” Gillian asked, eyeing the three.
“We were nearly murdered by a werebear and eaten by a pack of werewolves, but yeah, I think we’ll survive.” Azure thrust the large book at Monet, who took it, giving her a chance to clean herself with a swipe of her wand. She then flicked it at Ever and Laurel, cleaning them as well.
“So despite making some enemies, it would seem you were successful,” Monet summarized, balancing the book in one hand and opening it with the other.
Ever reached over and grabbed the book from Monet. “It would seem,” he agreed, a strange terseness to his voice.
“Yes, and we’re that much closer to protecting Virgo,” Azure said, flicking her wand at the book so it soared out of Ever’s grasp and landed in her hands. She unclasped the bag on Monet’s shoulder, the one with the crystal ball, and slid the large book into it.
“Who are you?” Gillian asked, looking up at the werecat.
A laugh spilled from Monet’s mouth. “Very funny, Azure. This is the hottie you brought back for me.”
“This is, and she’s the reason that we were able to steal the book and escape in one piece.” Azure turned and looked at the werecat, whose white whiskers were raised slightly. “The mouth of the cave to Lancothy is right up there.” She pointed to the cave opening roughly fifteen switchbacks up.
Laurel turned back and eyed the entrance and shook her head. “I’m not going.”
Now that they were on the outside of the mountain the setting sun was a little brighter, but still dusk was fast approaching. Through the waning light, Azure noticed a Cheshire-cat smile on Laurel’s face.
“You’re not going to camp in the cave?” Azure asked.
“I’m not going back to Lancothy. Maybe ever.” Laurel lifted her chin, regarding the mountains around them with a look of pride. “I’ve been forbidden to leave Lancothy all my life. I’ve been warned about the dangers and prejudice outside my borders. However, you two gave me the motivation and reason I needed to finally do what I’ve always dreamed of. I want to see Oriceran. I need to travel the world. I won’t confine myself to a single mountain ever again if I can help it.”
“Oh, I see,” Azure said, understanding the werecat in a brand new way.
“I refuse to live in fear. I am who I am, and I demand respect. I won’t cower in the shadows and feel shame because I’m different.” Laurel held her paw to her chest, staring at the setting sun.
“Laurel, you’re beautiful, and wonderfully unique. You are right to be proud,” Azure said.
“But starting over with nothing will be hard. You might starve,” Monet chipped in.
“Shut the fuck up, Monet,” Azure hissed.
“Oops, sorry to interrupt the moment with a bit of realism,” Monet said.
“Don’t listen to him, Laurel. This is Monet, my court jester.” Azure then waved at Gillian. “This is Gillian, one of my cabinet members. And you already met and spent time in close quarters with one of my other cabinet members, Ever.”
“Queen Azure, as part of your cabinet, I must insist that we take shelter for the night. Darkness is approaching, and we will want to be set up before the sun sets much more,” Gillian said.
“Making camp at the bottom of the mountain is probably the best idea,” Ever said, his hands on his hips as he surveyed the area.
“I should be off,” Laurel said, her voice now sounding fretful as she regarded the world around her. They could see for miles, even from this low place on the mountain. For someone who hadn’t left the comforts of the inside of the mountain all her life, this must feel strange.
“No, you can be off tomorrow. Tonight we stick together,” Azure ordered. “We will set up camp at the bottom of the mountain, like Ever suggested.”
“Or…” Gillian said, a question in his voice.
“Or what?” Azure asked, surprised that the gnome seemed to be making an alternative suggestion.
“Or, I might know of a place for us to find refreshments and a warm bed,” Gillian offered.
“Well, toad’s liver! I do believe the gnome is drunk!” Monet commented, shaking his head.
“Gillian, we’d be grateful if you could lead us to a safe place to stay tonight,” Azure said, ignoring Monet, which was something she’d pretty much mastered.
“Okay, but don’t say I was never helpful.” The gnome turned around and marched down the mountain with the four following him.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
“Oh, that’s cute. He thinks there’s a pub inside the giant tree,” Monet said, crossing his arms on his chest.
Gillian shook his head at him and motioned for the group to stay back. “They won’t like that you’re with me, but I think I can persuade them to let us stay here tonight,” he said over his shoulder, his eyes mostly on Azure.
He strode over to the tree and knocked on it twice. It was the size of a redwood, but had dark br
own bark and stood in a cluster of pine trees. Actually, it more closely resembled a building with a trunk the size of a small hut than a tree. Under different circumstances, they probably would have charged past it, not seeing it since it was mostly camouflaged.
The giant tree shook like another Oriceranquake was happening. A moment later a light appeared, carving out a half circle from the ground to three feet high up the tree. The light turned into a crack, and then it slid out like a door. A head covered in a brown bowler like Gillian’s popped out of the door and stared at the group. The eyes of the strange gnome landed on Gillian, who stepped forward and whispered to the other gnome.
“Wow. Entire cities in mountains, and gnome pubs inside trees. Just goes to show we need to excavate more often. Find out what the non-wizarding community is hiding,” Monet said, watching the two gnomes conversing.
“Shhh,” Azure and Ever said in unison.
Gillian turned and his gaze landed on Azure. “Queen Azure, may I please see the Book of Branches?”
Azure’s head tilted to the side. “Ummm…”
Gillian trotted over, but Azure kept her eyes on the strange gnome who still had his round face poking around the door in the tree.
“They don’t want to keep the book, but in exchange for us staying here tonight, the gnomes would like to study it. You see, no one has seen it since the wereanimals took over the mountain of Lancothy many centuries ago. As the guardians of the Light Elf Library, it’s important that we study all books. The gnomes would like to borrow the book tonight and make a copy of it, if you’re willing to hand it over.” Gillian extended his chubby hand to Azure, an earnest look in his eyes.
“And they’ll give us a safe place to stay in exchange?” she asked.
“Yes, and offer us libations and warm food,” Gillian said, his voice unusually light.
“I’m game,” Monet said, reaching into the bag on his shoulder and pulling out the book.
“Not so fast,” Azure said, grabbing the book. “We nearly died for this book. I want to ensure we’ll get it back.”
“Tomorrow morning when we set out for Virgo,” Gillian assured her.
“And we will be able to fit in there?” Azure asked, pointing to the tree.
“Yes. It’s enchanted by gnome magic—it’s bigger on the inside than it looks,” Gillian said with a smile in his voice.
“Okay, fine.” Azure held the book out to Gillian, who took it with a look of gratitude. He would score real points with these gnomes, turning over such a treasure to them.
Gillian carried the book to the door, where the other gnome was waiting. After he gave it to the gnome, the door to the tree opened wide.
“Come in,” Gillian said, waving them forward.
All of them except Gillian had to duck to enter through the tree.
“Wait, I thought you said it was bigger on the inside,” Monet complained.
“It is. I didn’t say it was designed for those who aren’t as compact as gnomes,” Gillian said with an uncharacteristic laugh.
“Compact. Oh, that’s cute. Are you little guys considered economical too?” Monet asked. His head brushed the top of the hallway, which was only four feet tall.
Ahead, voices and the clatter of glasses could be heard. The air was filled with savory smells, including hints of cinnamon and cardamom.
“What is that?” Laurel asked, her voice hungry.
“That’s homemade gnome cooking,” Gillian answered. He paused in an archway that bordered a large dining room. Candlelit chandeliers gave off a warm glow that illuminated the jolly faces of various gnomes drinking from tankards or shoveling steaming food into their mouths. The happy chatter ceased when the group materialized at the entrance, ducking their heads to avoid colliding with the ceiling.
“Hi,” Azure said weakly when every face turned to stare in their direction.
“Don’t worry, we’ve been allowed in. Just try and be polite, and keep to yourself,” Gillian said, waving them to a large table that two gnomes were setting with drinks and steaming dishes.
“I guess that means we need to shoot Monet,” Azure said, taking a seat at the table.
“Pretty much,” Gillian said with a wink. He was different in this place, like a new version of himself.
Azure wished that the Book of Branches didn’t have to be out of her hands for the night. She longed to read through the pages and find out how to locate the rogue dryads. They’d help her apprehend and punish the humans of Terran, and more specifically, the Duke.
“Pass whatever is in that jug,” Monet called from the other side of the table.
“It’s strong,” Gillian warned.
“Then get your own jug. That one is mine,” Monet said, splashing the golden liquid into a goblet.
“Try and behave,” Azure said in a whisper across the table.
“Hey, while you were out making kitty friends, I was suffering in silence with that one.” Monet thrust a finger in Gillian’s direction. “You realize this is the second time you’ve left me in his company, and by ‘company’ I mean painful silence. He literally can sit for hours and not say a damn thing.”
“I’m not a kitty,” Laurel said, sounding offended. She took a slice of duck breast from a platter and passed it to Ever, who was on her right.
“No, you’re more than a kitty.” Monet turned to Azure. “Hey, it would be hilarious if you brought her back to Virgo and told Finswick you upgraded your familiar.”
“Why do you always try to create trouble?” Azure asked, ladling potato soup into a bowl. The aroma was warm and reeked of comfort.
“Where will you go first?” Ever asked Laurel, diverting the conversation.
Laurel sniffed the meat at the end of her fork and took a bite. “I’ve always wanted to see the ocean, so maybe I’ll start with that. From there, I’m not sure. Unfortunately I don’t know what’s out there. I’ve read every book in the Lancothy library, but still I don’t know what I don’t know.”
“Oh yes, a common conundrum,” Gillian said, lifting his goblet as if toasting and then taking a long drink. His cheeks warmed immediately, and he swayed from the strong liquor.
“Well, you’re welcome in Virgo if you need a place to get your bearings. We are located close to the coast, and many of the witches and wizards there have traveled far and wide and might be a good resource for you.” Azure broke off a piece of baguette and dipped it into her soup.
“Thank you, Queen Azure. I was hoping to set off right away, but maybe it would be a good idea for me to do a bit of planning first. Review maps and such,” Laurel said.
“Yes, and then we could equip you for a long journey. That would be the least I could offer you for all your assistance,” Azure said. She turned to Ever. “I forgot to reprimand you for pushing me down that flight of stairs.”
Monet laughed loudly, but Ever’s face turned pink as he wiped his mouth with a napkin.
“Oh, that. Yeah, sorry. I was trying to protect you from the werebear,” Ever said.
“Protection by death,” Monet said, laughing still. “How did I miss all this fun?”
“If by ‘fun’ you mean ‘escaping a weretiger in an open-air market and fighting giant werewolves,’ then yes, you totally missed out,” Azure said, her tone dull.
“That’s what I thought. Meanwhile, I had to listen to Gillian snore like a banshee. Oh, that reminds me—remember when that banshee foretold our deaths? That was a fun time.” Monet drained his goblet.
A laugh, clear and high, cut across the table. It was Laurel. She had covered her whiskered mouth with her paws. When she realized she’d attracted the attention of everyone at the table, she lowered her head nervously. “Sorry, it’s just that you all are so light, and in Lancothy… Well, everything is so solemn. It’s probably a result of the curse, but still, it’s nice to be around people who don’t take themselves so seriously.”
“Curse?” Gillian asked, leaning forward, interest written in his eyes.
&
nbsp; “Oh, would you look at this? We have a bit of knowledge that he doesn’t,” Azure said, elbowing Ever in the ribs. He didn’t return the light smile she gave him. He looked quite unlike himself with a grumpy expression on his face. He hadn’t touched his food, and kept eyeing the gnomes at the bar.
“There’s a curse on Lancothy?” Gillian asked Laurel, scooting his chair in her direction.
“Yes, but I’m not sure if I’m up for going through it tonight. Can it wait until tomorrow?” Laurel said, taking a sip from her water goblet.
“Of course. I’m not aware of anyone—besides Queen Azure and Ever—who has been inside Lancothy in many centuries. I would be grateful to learn about your homeland,” Gillian said, his cheeks flushing red from the heat of the firelight and the drinks.
“I’m sorry to interrupt,” a voice said at Azure’s shoulder. She turned to find a gnome staring at her.
“Yes,” she said.
“Did I hear Gillian correctly? Are you Queen Azure of Virgo?” the gnome asked. His face wore a forced smile.
“Yes, you heard correctly,” Azure said, laying her spoon down.
“It’s quite an honor to have you here. When you’re ready, I’ll be happy to take you up to your room,” the gnome said.
“Actually, although the food is delicious, I’m quite tired from the day’s adventures. I’d love to go to my room now.” Azure stood, smiling at the table around her. “You all stay and relax. I’ll see everyone tomorrow at first light. I’m anxious to head back to Virgo with the Book of Branches.”
The table bid her farewell and Azure turned to the gnome, who led her down a hallway with more low ceilings.
“I’m sorry to tell you that our rooms are built for gnomes. It’s been many a year since we’ve housed someone of your stature. I hope you still find your room comfortable,” the gnome said, unlocking the first door they came to.
Azure ducked into the room to find a bed half the size of the one she was used to. Still, a warm fire burned in the hearth and fresh flowers and a wash basin sat on the dresser on the far wall.
“It’s perfect,” Azure said, bowing slightly to the gnome. “Thank you.”