by Sarah Noffke
“Thank you, Princess Azure. I hope your studies weren’t neglected in my absence?” Reynolds straightened his hat, looking rather dignified as he regained his confidence.
“You mean, ‘Queen Azure,’” Gillian corrected.
“Oh, my apologies.” Reynolds bowed deeply to Azure, making her blush at once. “Much must have transpired while I was gone.”
“I’m sure the queen mother would love the honor of filling you in on all the details,” Azure said, remembering how fond the two were of each other. Her gran hadn’t acted sad when Reynolds had disappeared, probably because she hadn’t acted sad at any time in her life. She’d simply said that the old wizard must have gotten blown away with the wind, as he was prone to do.
“Yes, it appears I have much to catch up on,” Reynolds said, his focus fading again to a daze as he toddled off in the direction of Virgo.
Azure slid around a lost-looking centaur who was shaking his head and staring around the forest. “Excuse me,” she said, ducking through bushes into the statue garden. Many gave her strange looks as she entered the space they were desperately trying to exit.
The grassy knoll was full of white statues as well as individuals who stood frozen but full of color. Rogue dryads muttered incantations as they circled statues, their eyes darting back and forth with concentration.
Payne Springs drifted over to Azure. “This is taking much effort from my sisters. It took us centuries to imprison these offenders.”
“Centuries? Don’t you think that such long sentences should be reconsidered going forward?” Azure scanned the crowd, trying to find Ever.
“I think that in light of our recent experiences, we should re-evaluate many things,” Payne Springs told her.
Azure and the queen of the rogue dryads stood in silence for a moment, watching the statues come to life. On the far side of the garden, Azure spotted a figure with jet-black hair. “Excuse me a moment,” she said, and hurried through the crowd.
A rogue dryad stood beside Ever. In front of them a man was hunched over, his head cradled in his hands.
“All crimes have been forgiven and your sentence ended. However, any further offense will be punished,” a rogue dryad said, her voice quivering like shaking leaves in the wind.
Kiran lifted his head, his blue eyes reminiscent of his son’s. He looked just like his son, with his black hair and pointy sideburns. However, he bore fine lines around his eyes, and his mouth showed his age. His ears were angled a bit more than his son’s, and his eyes had a weight Ever was practiced at hiding. Kiran stood, shaking his head, and searched Ever’s face.
“Son, are you all right?” he asked.
“I’m fine. How are you, Father?” Ever’s voice was a hoarse whisper.
“My memories are strange, like a series of dreams,” Kiran said, threading his hand through his hair, his gaze on the ground.
“They will come back to you. When they do, just know that I never stopped trying to free you,” Ever said, his voice coming out in a rush.
Kiran’s eyes shot to his son. “I’m sorry, son. I’m a bit bewildered, but please don’t think for a minute that I blame you. I retained that part of my memories.”
“You did?” Ever asked.
“Yes,” Kiran said, his voice cracking. “And I’d do the same thing again. I’d take your punishment a hundred times over, because that’s what a father does. Watching you suffer would have been torture for me.”
“As it was for me,” Ever said.
“That wasn’t my intention.” Kiran stepped forward. “But the rogue dryads have forgiven and released me.”
“They have forgiven me,” Ever corrected.
A ghost of a smile etched Kiran’s mouth. “Oh, you’re just as stubborn as I remember.”
“Actually, I’m even more stubborn now,” Ever admitted.
“I believe it,” Kiran said, his laugh reeking of his relief. He stepped forward and wrapped his arms tightly around his son.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Kiran stepped through the portal on his way to Earth, throwing a cautious look over his shoulder as he waved to his son.
“I can’t believe you just sent him away,” Monet said, leaning against a tree with his arms crossed casually.
Azure rolled her eyes at the wizard. “He sent him home to see Layla.”
“I bet your dad was afraid you’d burn down the forest again when you opened that portal to Earth,” Monet joked.
Azure stopped Payne Springs as she passed, her vine hair flowing behind her. “Would it be possible for you to turn this one into a statue?” she asked, pointing at Monet.
The rogue dryad slid her eyes to Monet and shook her head. “Not right now, but something tells me it won’t be long before he commits a crime.”
Monet scoffed. “I object! You pansies just don’t know how to take a joke.”
“Will name-calling get him a sentence as a statue?” Azure asked Payne Springs. The two women appraised Monet, both of them grimacing at him, but laughter seeped from their expressions.
“Unfortunately we only punish those who harm the forest,” she said.
“Which means I can be as offensive as I please.” Monet stuck his tongue out at Azure. “So there, Queen Dumbface. Now why don’t you tell Bark Lady to go hug a tree? We need to save Virgo.”
Azure offered the rogue dryad a smile. “Thank you, Payne Springs. I owe you a great debt for helping us stop the Duke and free these people.”
“I think,” Payne Springs began, peering at the garden, which was now devoid of any statues, “we both benefited from your plan. The Land of Terran has a chance to change their ways under their new leadership, and the Dark Forest has been healed. Releasing the offenders was a part of the deal, but now it gives me much to think about. I was hoping that you could help advise us on how we should sentence and punish the criminals of the forest going forward.”
Azure sucked in a sudden breath, not having expected the request. “You want me to work with you?”
Payne Springs shook her head. “Actually, I want to work for you. We keep our eye on everyone in the forest, and few have crossed the Dark Forest with a confidence like yours. We’ve watched you save many and never harm except in defense. Our mission is to protect the forest, but we need guidelines. Rules. And I respect your judgment. I ask that you help us construct these guidelines, and in return, our observations in the Dark Forest will be lent to you at times.”
“Tree Lady wants to be our spy. Sweet! I’m looking for this bloke named Michael. He—”
“Not spies, and certainly not for you,” Payne Springs cut Monet off, her tone forbidding. “We cannot guarantee information, but if you request information about the Dark Forest, Queen Azure, at times we’ll try and accommodate.”
“You’re about as helpful as Shorty over there.” Monet threw his thumb in the direction of Gillian, who was standing by Azure’s side, his attention focused on the current conversation. “I’ll help you, maybe, sometimes, if I feel like it,” Monet said, impersonating the gnome.
Azure shook off his comments. “Thank you, Payne Springs. I’d be honored to advise you on policy, and I would be grateful for any information you would provide going forward. Having allies in the Dark Forest will be very valuable.”
“Then we will meet in the future.” Payne Springs bowed low to Azure, a sort of smile on her dark face when she rose.
“So, no info on Michael then?” Monet asked her, never giving up. “He’s got brown hair, glasses and is about yay-tall.” Monet held his hand even with his own head.
Payne Springs didn’t offer a reply, but instead faded until she’d disappeared completely.
“Man, I’ve got to figure out how to do that. I’m sure it’s a pretty easy vanishing spell since you can do it, Big Nose,” Monet said to Gillian.
The gnome opened his mouth to say something but then slammed it shut, fire simmering in his eyes.
Azure turned her attention to Ever, who still had his ga
ze on the spot where the portal had been. He’d been in a daze since his father left. It had been a short reunion, and even though she’d urged him to return to Earth with Kiran, Ever had refused. He had reiterated that his commitment was to Virgo, and helping those plagued by the virus. Azure didn’t know when her kingdom had become home to so many outsiders, but she was desperately grateful that so many were willing to protect her people and their land.
“Are you all right?” Azure asked Ever.
He hesitated before pulling his gaze around to her. “Yes, I’m fine,” he said with a curt nod. In the open area of the garden the sun was permitted to shine down on him, making his black spiky hair glisten. Soon they’d be under the canopy of the forest where Ever blended in better than most in the group, save Gillian.
Azure didn’t believe the Light Elf, but accepted his answer. “Okay, well, it appears our job is done here. Let’s head for Virgo. I have a feeling that our trip home will be as easy as it was to this place,” she said, sensing the rogue dryads drifting around them in the distance. They were protecting the group, but Azure was sure their protection wouldn’t last forever. It was nice to have it now, though, since her thoughts were monopolized by the virus and how she’d try and stop it once she reached Virgo.
***
Stepping out of the Dark Forest, Azure’s heart lightened at the sight before her. It wasn’t the Orcs standing along the perimeter who warmed Azure’s chest and sent tender sensations through her core. It was the rolling grassy hills behind them, flecked with young wildflowers and cottages. Virgo had never looked as good as it did at that moment, but then few things are more healing than the sight of one’s home after a long journey. Battle scars are miraculously forgotten when a soldier crosses the threshold of their home into the sanctuary of warm memories and loving arms.
Azure sped up, leaving the group behind. She didn’t halt until she was face to face with the chief of the Orcs. He peered down at her, questions on his flat face.
Breathless, Azure sputtered, “The threats from the harpies should all be gone. We’ve put an end to the Duke of Terran.”
The chief checked her out and then scanned the three at her back. “Where is it?”
Azure spun to see what the chief was referring to. “Where is what?”
“The Duke’s head,” the chief said with a deep grunt.
Azure winced. “Why would I have the Duke’s head? He was turned into a statue by the rogue dryads.”
“Statue?” The chief growled with disapproval. “You have a strange way of defeating your enemies, but then it appears to work. We haven’t battled any harpies in quite some time.”
“That’s good news. I’m guessing without the Duke around to feed them they flew off, and won’t be a problem for us any longer,” Azure stated, waving to Drago, who had joined the chief. “Good to see you, Drago.”
“She’s lying. No one was ever happy to see that ugly face,” Monet joked to the Orc, who didn’t laugh.
“Speaking of food, can I interest you in a wizard for your dinner?” Azure said to the chief.
The Orc eyed Monet, his wide nose scrunching up. “No, that one would taste rancid, I’m certain.”
“Pssh, I’d be delicious,” Monet argued. “Especially with a side of roasted potatoes and honey-glazed carrots. Mmm-mmm-mmm, good.” He licked the tips of his fingertips in an exaggerated manner.
The chief swung his bow over his back, straightening his shoulders. “Queen Azure, we are happy to stay for longer, if you worry that threats might return.”
Azure pulled in a deep breath, enjoying the fresh air laced with lavender. “Thank you, Chief, but I think that we all are anxious to return to our homes, you included. I thank you for protecting Virgo, and please call on me if you ever need anything.” She extended a hand to the Orc, who towered over her. He eyed it and then finally wrapped his enormous hand around hers, nearly pulling her to the ground as he shook it.
“A day will come when I take you up on that offer—I’m sure of it. Oriceran is full of dangers that plague us all, and the Orcs especially suffer from time to time at the hands of our many enemies,” the chief said, removing his hand from Azure’s.
“I’m always happy to help, although creating peace is more in line with my objective than fighting wars,” Azure said proudly.
“Young Queen, one day you’ll realize that fighting wars is inevitable. We must fight to survive.” Many of the Orcs around them grunted their affirmation of this statement.
“Fighting for peace is counterintuitive, Chief. However, I’ll admit that my experience is limited. You might indeed be correct.”
“When it comes to protecting your people and your land, you’ll discover that any fight is worth it.” Again the Orcs in the area grunted their approval.
“My people aren’t just those in Virgo or its land. We are all on Oriceran, and we should be mindful of protecting each other. I fear that when we create too many borders and focus on separateness, we wage wars no one can win,” Azure said, confidence heavy in her words.
“The half-breed queen has many ideas that won’t be popular,” the chief observed.
“That might be true, but maybe that’s why we formed an alliance,” Azure said, noticing two small figures approaching from behind the chief.
“We have an alliance for the simple fact that you earned our trust and loyalty. Orcs aren’t as uncivilized as it is rumored. We get a bad reputation because we don’t make friends, due to the fact that most who call themselves that will stab us in the back. If I ever sense that will happen due to our alliance, then you, Queen Azure, will soon take your last breath.” The chief tucked his chin, his beady eyes staring down at Azure.
Unflustered, Azure smiled. “I don’t fear that I’ll perish anytime soon then.”
“No, me either. I believe you have many more centuries on Oriceran,” the chief stated, bowing slightly to her.
“Thank you, Chief. I must return to Virgo now,” Azure said, tipping her head and ambling in the direction of Blisters and Manx, who had cleared the pasture as she spoke with the Orcs.
Blisters wore a strange expression. It looked all wrong on his usually cheerful face. His bright blue eyes were dull, and his mouth was slack. He was sad. Manx, who was in the form of a black stallion with eyes like rays of light, looked as he always did—slightly on the verge of mischief.
“What is it?” Azure asked, kneeling and stroking Blisters face.
The unicorn let out a long wail. “It’s V-V-Virgo,” he stuttered. “When you left things were bad, but now they are so much worse.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
The streets of Virgo were empty, devoid of the usual witches and wizards bustling along the lanes and chatting as they passed each other. The entire kingdom would have felt deserted if it weren’t for the smoke wafting from chimneys.
“Everyone is inside,” Blisters supplied as Azure’s gaze searched the town.
“Why?” she asked, a cautious glance at Monet by her side.
“Who goes outside when they are sad? I know I don’t want to leave Monet’s bed when I don’t feel good,” Blisters said.
“Wait, they’re depressed? That’s what you’re telling me?” Azure whipped her hand over her tired face, trying to push away the confusion.
The unicorn shrugged. “I don’t know what else to say.”
“That’s a first for Blisters,” Monet said, but his voice didn’t carry its usual lightness. His eyes were heavy with worry as he stared at the empty lanes around them.
Azure hurried over the lawn of the House of Enchanted and up the steps. The House didn’t look different than she remembered, but it felt different. Colder. She pulled open the door to find the foyer empty, not full of witches and wizards as usual. Handing her staff to Monet, Azure sprinted up the stairs in the direction of the Queen’s Chambers. She halted abruptly, nearly running into her gran, as she cleared the last step.
“Gran!” Azure exclaimed, throwing her arms around t
he old witch. She felt the same as she remembered, slight but sturdy. Azure pulled back and looked her over. Nothing was different, not that anything had changed about her gran in centuries. Still the same short lavender hair and ornery expression on her wrinkled face. “What’s going on?”
“I saw that you stopped the Duke,” Gran said, her lips pursed. The witch would have been watching Azure using her scrying bowl.
“I did, and the statues in the garden have been released. But what of Virgo? Where is everyone? I didn’t see anyone when I passed through town.” Azure spoke so fast she nearly tripped over her words.
“Yes, I saw that Reynolds awakened. You should have kept that good-for-nothing wizard as a statue. That would have been a better use for that lying cheat,” Gran said, her eyes narrowing.
“Can we discuss your feuds later? Why is nobody out?” Azure asked, now frantic.
“Well, there is Finnegan. I don’t usually call him a nobody. Depends.” Sari pointed over Azure’s shoulder.
She turned to find the ancient farming wizard moving like a ghost up the stairs. His usually vibrant turquoise hair and beard had dulled to a muted shade of green. He could barely lift his feet to clear each step, his eyes low and his mouth muttering.
“Finnegan?” Azure exclaimed. “Are you all right?”
The wizard lifted his gaze and stared straight at Azure, then pressed around her like he didn’t actually see her. He continued to mutter to himself as he hobbled down the long corridor.
“Gran, what’s happened?” Azure asked as the rest of the group came to stand at her back.
“I think it’s pretty obvious, dear.” She shook her head at Finnegan before turning back to face Azure. “Almost all the witches and wizards of Virgo have lost their magic.”
“But this is worse than what happened to Mum,” Azure argued.
“Oh, yes. The virus was fast-acting this time, and stole their magic immediately. Now it’s taking their spirits as well. What is a witch or wizard without magic, after all?” Sari mused.