by Sarah Noffke
“And don’t you worry about the Book of Branches tonight, Queen Azure. We promise to keep it safe while it is in our hands. However, once you take back possession of it, you’ll need to put your own guards on the ancient book,” the gnome said.
Azure didn’t have a chance to ask him what he meant because he closed the door a moment later, leaving Azure alone with her thoughts.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Azure awoke to the smell of bacon. She nuzzled into her pillow, not even caring that her legs were tucked up to her chest due to the short length of the bed. Even though she had slept in a ball, it had still been a peaceful rest. After she sat up, she found a warm donut and a glass of milk on the bedside table. There was no one in her room, although a gnome could be hiding under the bed.
She took a bite out of the donut, the sugar making her teeth ache immediately. The milk was perfect for washing down the chocolate cream of the donut. Azure dressed, but her actions were mostly involuntary as she reviewed the last few days. They had the Book of Branches, but visiting Mage Lenore hadn’t proven especially useful. The old witch had said that humans had the answer to the virus. Or maybe she’d said that humans could cure the virus. Azure had a hard time remembering exactly what the nutty witch had said. She couldn’t wait to get back and tell her gran and Mum about the woman who transitioned through the different stages of her life throughout the day. They’d be fascinated.
Azure picked up her bag after making her bed and set off for the pub, where the sounds of jubilant voices could be heard. Outside her room she found Ever leaning against the wall, his head back like he was bored.
“Hey, what are you doing here?” she asked.
“Waiting for you,” he said, his eyes red.
“Oh,” she chirped, studying him. “Are you okay? You haven’t seemed quite like yourself since we left Lancothy.”
“I’m fine. Just ready to get out of here,” Ever said, his eyes moving to the right.
“Okay, well, we’ll set off after breakfast. We should be back in Virgo by evening,” Azure said, and to her surprise Ever sighed loudly.
When they entered the pub, they found Laurel talking intently with Gillian.
“Do you know where the shaman came from?” he asked, scribbling on his notepad.
The werecat thought for a moment. “I’m not sure, but I know there were two of them. One supposedly represented the day and the other the night. One was for order and the other chaos. They were sent to warn us not to barricade ourselves away—and to punish us when we did.”
“That’s fascinating,” Gillian said, writing fast.
The table where the pair sat had covered dishes running down the center and a flute of mimosa by each plate. Azure picked up a plate and loaded it with scrambled eggs and the bacon that had been begging for her attention.
“Man, I’m never leaving this place,” Monet said, reaching out and grabbing one of the flutes and draining it. He wiped his hand across the back of his mouth and let out a satisfied sigh.
“I see you’re starting early.” Azure set her plate on the table and sat down, relishing the comfort of the chair she had plopped into.
“Starting early? I never stopped.” Monet laughed and filled his flute again, this time with just champagne.
“Your liver must hate you,” Azure said through a mouthful of bacon.
“My liver can shut the fuck up and deal with it,” Monet said, grabbing a fistful of bacon and dumping it on his plate.
“There are serving utensils, you know,” Azure joked.
“I do know.” Monet seized a croissant and tore off a piece savagely with his teeth.
“If you were up all night drinking with the gnomes, why do you look so refreshed?” Ever asked, taking the seat next to Azure but not eating.
“Because I am a fucking genius potion maker. I concocted my own brand of rejuvenation potion using some ingredients I borrowed from the pub kitchen,” Monet said.
“Just so you could stay up all night to drink.” Azure shook her head disapprovingly at him. “You ever consider using your powers for good?”
Monet made a sour face. “That would be boring. It sounds like something you’d do.”
“Queen Azure,” a voice said at her back.
She turned and didn’t see anyone. Then she looked down and found the gnome who had shown her to her room last night. “Hello.”
“Hello. I wanted to give you this.” The gnome held out the Book of Branches, which was just about as big as he was.
“Thank you.” Azure wiped her greasy hands on her napkin before taking the book and setting it on the safety of the seat next to her.
“No, thank you. We made a rough copy of the book, and hope to have a polished version of it for the Light Elf Library soon. It will be an honor to add such an important volume to the collection, so please know you have the gratitude of the gnomes for loaning us this book. It has not been seen in centuries, since before the wereanimals took to hiding in the mountain of Lancothy,” the gnome said, bowing low to Azure.
The witch blushed. She wanted to reach over and yank him to a standing position, but sooner or later she’d have to get used to being treated as royalty.
“Well, I’m honored that I could share the book with you so that more will have access to the information it holds,” Azure said, petting the book beside her. It had a strange heat to it.
“Actually, that’s the other thing I wanted to tell you.” The gnome leaned in close, his voice a whisper. “There is information in that book that must be guarded. If it got into the wrong hands… Well, it could be deadly for the dryads. They do have many enemies, and there are those who would like to exploit their powers. That book details all the tribes, but more importantly, it shares their weaknesses. There’s a reason it has been hidden away for so long.”
Azure nodded—that made perfect sense. There were things about witches and wizards, and specifically about those in Virgo, that were only written in secret books, volumes that weren’t shared outside the species. And a grimoire, for instance, was protected with the witch’s life.
“I promise to keep the book safe. It will remain in my private collection,” Azure said.
“Thank you. And the version in the Light Elf Library will be held in the restricted section. The gnomes believe that is for the very best.” The gnome smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. He slid his gaze to Ever and Monet and grimaced slightly.
Monet had abandoned all pretense and was now eating the bacon straight from the serving dish.
“You’re an animal,” Azure told him.
“I take great offense to that,” Laurel said, picking up her spoon and stirring her tea, the perfect picture of poise.
“As you should. I say you scratch Queen Jerkface’s eyes out,” Monet suggested, bacon bits spewing from his mouth.
CHAPTER THIRTY
At the border of Virgo, Azure’s heart lightened. She loved traveling and having these adventures outside of her homeland, but returning to the green hills covered in grass that waved in the wind and the colorful cottages that sprinkled the land was by far the best feeling. Azure didn’t mind going off on journeys because she had the comfort of a true home to return to. Virgo was worth risking her life for. Virgo was worth every single bump and bruise she had endured while trying to find Mage Lenore and the Book of Branches.
“You’ve returned,” Drago, her favorite Orc, said as they approached the southeastern border.
“I have, and I’ve fought bravely and made my people proud,” Monet boasted, striding in front of Azure.
Drago narrowed his beady eyes and grunted. “I was talking to the Queen.”
“Of course you were. That fucking drama queen gets all the damned attention.” Monet walked past Drago, spreading his arms wide. “I’m back, bitches. You all can rest easy,” he called to the empty hillside.
“Was everything okay while we were gone?” Azure asked Drago.
He eyed Laurel, a keen interest in h
is stare. Finally he pulled his gaze to Azure. “Yes. We shot down many harpies, and a few of the pterosaurs.”
“Wow, the emperor of Terran really wants us dead. Things have gotten out of control since Richard was stripped of his title.” Azure stared at the ground, thinking. “Okay, well, thank you, Drago. Please pass along to the chief that I’ve returned and will be available if he has any requests of me.”
“I will do so,” Drago said, slamming his fist to his chest in a show of respect.
“Thank you,” Azure said, her cheeks turning pink. She turned and marched forward, wishing she had a horse to carry her the rest of the way to the House of Enchanted. Her feet were throbbing from the hike out of the mountains. However, she sensed that Laurel might take issue to riding a horse. A sudden thought crossed Azure’s mind and she slowed down, waiting for Laurel.
“I noticed when we were in Lancothy that there were wereanimals grazing on the outskirts. They seemed different from the other wereanimals I saw.” Azure paused, not knowing how to explain what she meant without sounding rude.
“You mean that they weren’t upright and wearing clothes,” Laurel said, seemingly reading Azure’s mind.
“Yes.” She let out a breath of relief.
“There’s a segment of our population who reject the human part of them and only identify with the animal. They don’t believe in learning to read or using their cognitive abilities. They believe they should act like the animal they are,” Laurel explained as they strolled. Her curious eyes skimmed the buildings they passed on the outskirts of the kingdom of Virgo.
“That’s highly interesting,” Gillian said, again scribbling on his notepad as he walked.
“It sounds like there’s a lot of division in Lancothy,” Azure noted.
Laurel shrugged. “What else should we expect when we create borders? We isolated ourselves, and in doing so we created divisions within our society.”
“Well, you’re very brave to have left to explore the world,” Azure said, bowing her head to witches and wizards as they passed. No one stopped her, since she was dressed in hiking clothes and was obviously returning from a journey. She’d call a meeting to make formal announcements the next day. It was important that her people knew things as she discovered them.
“Maybe I’m brave, or maybe I’m an idiot,” Laurel said in a terse whisper. “My people might have been right. Our ancestors locked us in the mountain for a reason.” Her cat eyes were lowered, but still searched the people as they passed.
“They are only giving you curious looks because they’ve never seen a werecat before, and that’s because your people locked themselves away. Can’t you change into your human form?” Azure asked and immediately regretted the question based on the scornful look on Laurel’s face.
“That’s like me asking you to show only your witch side,” Laurel said. She must have read the confusion on Azure’s face. “Last night Monet told me about you, that you’re half witch and half human. Some wereanimals can transform back and forth, but it depends on their lineage and the ratio of animal versus human in their genes.”
“So does that mean that the wereanimals who choose to embrace more of the animal in them have a higher ratio of that in their DNA?” Gillian asked, jogging next to them.
“Yes, that’s one of the reasons for their tendency toward animal behavior. We are in essence genetic anomalies,” Laurel said.
“Please know that while you’re in Virgo you won’t be treated differently,” Azure assured her.
“But I am different,” Laurel said, her voice rough.
“As we all are. However, we have a great appreciation for unique individuals in Virgo.” Azure lifted her chin, pride in her chest.
“That’s only because of you, Your Majesty,” Gillian said, his eyes on Azure. “You’ll remember that not long ago the people of Virgo didn’t tolerate humans and rejected you as their leader. However, you’ve proven to them that it isn’t the genes, but the heart of someone that matters. You’ve brought people together and appointed diverse species to your cabinet.”
“Man, she’s already got a big enough head. Would you shut up, Shorty?” Monet grumbled from a few feet away.
“Thank you, Gillian. I’m grateful that you think so,” Azure said, watching Laurel. The werecat appeared intrigued as they passed the stable and the farms.
“I’ve never seen a place like this in any of the books in the library. Your home has a wholesome feeling about it,” Laurel mused.
Azure nestled up her shoulders, taking in a happy breath. “Yes, Virgo is a place of peace. I hope you enjoy your time here, and you’re welcome to stay as long as you like while you prepare for your travels.”
When the turrets of the House of Enchanted came into view, Azure picked up her pace. She needed to see her gran and know that her mum was okay. However, seeing those two people was definitely going to have to wait, because bounding through the grounds of the estate was the happiest unicorn to ever exist. Blister’s bright blue eyes were full of light and he had an actual smile on his mouth.
He galloped toward them, his rainbow tail swishing back and forth as he ran.
Monet halted, raising his hands in the air. “Whoa there, buddy.”
Blisters must have thought this was an invitation, because he leapt into the air and slammed his front hooves into Monet’s hips, knocking him to the ground, and commenced licking his face.
“Oh, gross. You smell like… Wait, you smell like farts and Cheetos.” Monet pushed the unicorn off him, rolling to a seated position.
“I know! That’s why I’m so happy to see you,” Blisters said, his squeaky voice full of delight. “I found the Cheetos in your room when I was trying on your robes. They are delicious. That’s where you went, right? To get more Cheetos?”
“No! Are you fucking kidding me?” Monet asked, his tone heated.
“Oh well, you and me will set off on a journey to get more Cheetos.” Blisters licked around his mouth.
“You fucking runt unicorn. What did you do?” Monet stood up.
“I ate your Cheetos,” Blisters said plainly and then farted loudly. “Oh, and like all good things, they appear to give me gas and a bit of a stomachache. But I found that sleeping in your bed made me feel better. Mine is lumpy and full of holes because of my horn. It keeps tearing the covers when I toss and turn at night.”
Azure stepped up next to Monet. “You’re the one who wanted to live in the House of Enchanted,” she said to him before turning her attention on the two-foot-tall unicorn. “Hello, Blisters.” She patted his head and combed his soft mane with her fingers. He relished the attention, closing his eyes and nuzzling into her.
“Queeny! I’ve missed you. Finswick said that you’d died and weren’t coming back, but I didn’t really believe him. He also told me that the well was a hot tub, but I learned firsthand that it was untrue. And your gran invited me to afternoon tea, but Finswick wouldn’t allow me to go. He said she was trying to slip me a mickey, whatever that is, so that she could shave my head. But overall I had a really nice time. The House of Enchanted is the bestest place in the world, but for some reason the wait staff keeps giving me dirty looks when I trot through the house.”
Azure stared at the unicorn’s muddy hooves. “I’m sure they are just getting used to having a new four-legged friend in the House.”
At her back, Azure heard Laurel clear her throat. “Ummm… Is this the majestic and somewhat mythical creature, the unicorn?”
“Yes, but it’s important that you not use him as a basis for these creatures. Blisters is a special version,” Monet said, wiping his robes across his cheek, which was covered in unicorn saliva.
“Laurel, please meet Blisters. He’s our resident unicorn at the House of Enchanted,” Azure said, presenting the werecat to the unicorn.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Laurel said, curtsying to him.
“Woooooow!” Blisters said, his mouth hanging open wide. “You’re a cat-person. Or a
person-cat. I’ve never seen one of you. Do you have a tail? Do you lick yourself like Finswick does? Wait! Finswick! He’s going to be so happy when he sees you,” the unicorn said, each sentence in quick succession.
“Who is Finswick again?” Laurel asked, looking at Azure.
“He’s my familiar,” Azure said, pointing to the feline who was strolling in their direction. His white-tipped black tail was high in the air.
“Oh, my!” Laurel screamed, jumping behind Ever as if for protection. “What did you do to him? Did you shrink him?”
Azure’s uncertain eyes fell on Gillian before looking at Laurel. “Uhhh…he’s a cat. You have seen a regular cat before?”
“Only in books. I didn’t realize they were so small. That’s normal size, right? Or is he like Blisters and has stunted growth?” Laurel said, peeking out from behind Ever, who wore an amused expression.
Azure picked up Finswick when he was close. “Hey, buddy,” she said, scratching him behind the ears. “And no, Finswick is the size of an average cat.”
He slid his head onto Azure’s shoulder and whispered, “Sticking me with the idiot unicorn wasn’t enough. Now you’ve brought home another pet. Please know that I will be killing you in your sleep.”
“I missed you too,” Azure said, squeezing him into her before setting him on the ground.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
The crackling of the fire in the cabinet chamber filled the silence as Azure flipped the pages of the Book of Branches. She had called a cabinet meeting, but was hoping to get a glimpse of the book before the members showed up.
Leaning over, she rubbed Blister’s belly, and he rolled onto his back in his sleep. Finswick had promised to show Laurel around the House of Enchanted, but only if he didn’t have to babysit Blisters anymore. Apparently the little unicorn had destroyed a suit of armor that was over six centuries old, torn up the drapes in the dining hall when he got his horn stuck in a panel, and flooded the bathroom when he did a cannonball into his bubble bath. Still, Azure loved the little guy, even though he’d be the destruction of the ancient house.