by Sarah Noffke
Azure shook her head. “I could not, but I can’t imagine what it’s like to be a genie either and yet I don’t think enslaving them is right. Empathy may not be my strong suit, but every day I must make choices for my people that are in their best interests. I can’t always relate to them, so I have to do what I feel is right in my own heart.”
Oak smiled, and Azure realized how handsome he was. Under the beard he had a face with all the right angles. “I think you’re well on your way to mastering your own heart, talking like that.”
“But it doesn’t matter. The weredragons won’t give me a scale, will they?” Azure asked.
“I’m afraid they will not,” Oak said. “They would, however, give one to me.”
Azure halted, turning at once to the old wizard. “They would? That would be great!”
Oak held up his long-fingered hand. “Please contain yourself, mademoiselle. Although I will get a weredragon’s scale when we’re in Lancothy, I cannot give it to you.”
“What?” Azure asked, unsure if she had misheard Oak. “You won’t give it to me?”
“I won’t give it to you without receiving something in return,” Oak said.
“Oh, well, that’s fair,” Azure said, hiccupping in her excitement. There was hope after all. “I can pay you whatever you want.”
“Anyone could pay me,” Oak began. “I want something from you that you’re in a unique position to give. It’s incredibly powerful, and would benefit me a great deal.”
“Okay, do you want to give me a riddle like most, or will you simply tell me what you want?” Azure asked teasingly.
Oak smiled in return, that elegant handsomeness radiating from his features again. “Of course. What I want from you won’t be easy to obtain. It’s an emotion. A unique feeling.”
“What you want me to give you is an emotion?”
Oak nodded. “But I want you to bottle this emotion, in a way, although that’s not really possible. First you must figure out how to contain it, since it tends to be intangible. I’ve heard of a binding spell that when cast can contain certain emotions so their magic can be used.”
“Do you mean like when we’re happy? There’s a way to ‘bottle’ that so it can be reused?” Azure asked, using air quotes.
“Happiness is a very strong emotion, and if it was used in a potion or a spell it would have profound effects.”
This made sense to Azure. “So I need to first figure out how to contain an emotion for magical repurposing, is that right?”
“Correct,” Oak said. “But unfortunately this isn’t like potions work.”
So Monet wouldn’t be able to help her. This was getting more complicated by the minute.
“All right, I’ll figure it out. Someone has to know how to contain an emotion,” Azure said.
“Certainly someone does, but you must find the right person for this emotion since it’s rare and quite fragile,” Oak told her.
Azure stopped walking again, her face creasing with worry. “What emotion are you asking me to find and contain?”
“Only one of the most incredible man has ever known. Mademoiselle, you must deliver me the emotion tied to true love.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
“Hold on tight. It’s going to be a bumpy ride the rest of the way,” Oak said, closing the door behind Azure. She stared at the wizard, watching him watch her through the window. She wasn’t sure why, but she constantly got the impression that he was more than he seemed. Finally she heeded his warning and took a seat at the couch.
“Is Oak going to help you?” Ever asked as he sat down in the armchair next to her.
“Yeah. He’s going to get me the dragon scale, but in return I must give him something impossible,” Azure stated, suddenly feeling sorry for herself—an emotion she wasn’t good at. She heard Gran’s words in her head: “We all have problems. No one has that market cornered.”
“If the curious look on my face isn’t accurately communicating it, you’ve got my attention,” Ever said.
Azure tried to smile, but it didn’t really reach her eyes. “He wants true love.”
“Wow, talk about mixing business with pleasure,” Monet said, taking a seat on the couch, placing his bare feet next to Azure, and poking her with his toes. “Not to mention that he’s like a billion years older than you.”
Azure sniffed, inching away from Monet’s feet. “Not from me. He just wants me to bottle the emotion of true love and give it to him. Then Myrtle gets what she wants, and Bob gets his freedom.”
“Well, to do that you’re going to—”
“Have to figure out how to contain an emotion with a spell,” Azure cut Ever off. She was irritable, and it was starting to bug her.
“Well, yeah, but I meant that you’ll have to find true love,” Ever said
Azure pulled her gaze from Ever’s, feeling exceptionally uncomfortable.
“That’s easy. Once you have the containing spell, you can just use it when I open a bottle of centaur vodka,” Monet said. He lifted a bottle from the floor and uncorked it, then pressed the bottle to his mouth and took a long sip. “Ahhh, true love.” Monet wiped his hand over his wet lips.
Azure held out her hand. “I don’t think I have the same attraction to this stuff, but go ahead and share.”
Monet held it close to his chest before relinquishing it. “I’m running low. I only have a case left.”
Azure nearly spit out her drink. “You’re down to a case? What, do you bathe in this stuff?”
“Hell no.” Monet scoffed at her. “That would be disgusting. Now, ranch dressing…I’d totally take a bath in that. Mmmmm, with fries and pizza.” He looked at the ceiling dreamily, as if picturing himself taking a ranch bath while gorging on greasy food.
The carriage lurched to the side and Azure nearly fell forward. Luckily—and grossly—Monet’s foot caught her. She gripped the side of the couch before the next lurch tossed her up to the ceiling.
“Hey, don’t spill the stuff,” Monet said, pointing to the bottle bobbing in Azure’s hands. Centaur vodka came up out of the top and dripped over her hand, and she pressed it to her mouth to preserve it. Another jolt made a large dollop splash into her mouth. Monet pulled the bottle away from her, looking concerned that she was going to drown in his vodka, and also that she was going to drink it all.
Purple-pinkish smoke blanketed the carriage suddenly and Laurel, who had sunk her claws into the couch opposite them, stared out the windows in alarm. “Is this normal?”
“I’ve never flown here, but I think so,” Azure said, her teeth slamming together from the jolts.
“I remember the haze that covered the mountain. I think that means we’re close,” Ever said.
“We’re close,” Oak’s voice echoed through the carriage as if he were actually inside it rather than directing it from the front. “But we’re not going to make it through this magic without something.”
Azure bolted upright. “What do you need?” And it better not be a rogue emotion, bottled and ready to be reused, she thought.
“What did you use to find Mage Lenore the first time?” Oak asked. “It appears you’re going to need that this time too. The dragons can’t cross the magical barrier.”
“The staff,” Azure said, trying to stand up but falling onto Ever, who gingerly caught her.
“Staff. I’m on it,” Manx called, trotting to Azure’s bedroom in dog form.
“Don’t eat it,” Azure yelled, trying to peel herself off Ever. The constant bumps and sharp turns made it difficult to do, though. Ever, realizing that Azure needed help, put his hands on her hips and supported her until she got her feet under her.
Ever gave her a cautious look. “Are you good?”
Azure smiled gratefully at him. He smelled of springtime, but she didn’t know why. It was like the sweetness of flowers and the freshness of new growth were mingled into one. “Yes, thank you.”
Manx bounded toward her with the staff between his teeth. He stumbled
a few times, but made it to her with the staff. Azure grabbed it from him, set it upright, and pushed it firmly down on the floor of the carriage. All at once the turbulence vanished and the purple-pinkish clouds disappeared, and the carriage smoothly descended.
~~~
Azure had to look out the carriage window to realize they had landed. It had been a super-smooth arrival, considering the bumpy ride. She steadied herself on the staff. She hadn’t thought of pulling it out to find Mage Lenore, and apparently neither had Oak. Now she wondered how Gran would find the house, even accompanied by Gillian who had already been there once.
Through the window of the carriage Azure could tell that the grounds of Mage Lenore’s house looked much as they had as before. There was still the same overgrown garden bursting with fruits and vegetables, the same lopsided three-story house, and the Howling Willow, pristine and graceful.
“What in the fuckity-fuck is that?” Monet asked, pointing at something through the large windows on the other side of the carriage. Azure squinted, not sure what she was seeing clearly.
“Are those—”
“Pegasi,” Ever finished.
He was right. And beside the creatures stood three figures, and then there was…
Azure sprang for the door and stumbled out of the carriage, and Oak caught her. He had just been about to open the door and help her down. There was an irritated look on his face, creating creases under his silvery eyes. “Pegasi. I wasn’t told those animals would be here.”
“I didn’t know,” Azure said, pushing off him. She’d like to stop falling on everyone.
“They annoy the dragons,” Oak said.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Azure said. “Is it because they have a rivalry with other winged creatures?”
“No.” Oak scoffed this like it was a ridiculous notion. “It’s because Pegasi are flamboyant showoffs who shouldn’t be able to fly because their egos are so damn huge.”
Azure laughed. Dragons didn’t like the winged horses because they were jealous of the pristine creatures. “Well, I think dragons are far more beautiful and majestic.”
Oak bowed low to Azure. “Thank you, mademoiselle. Even so, I’ll keep the dragons as far from the pesky show ponies as possible.”
Azure nodded before picking up her robes and running around the back of the carriage. From there she could see the three shimmering pink Pegasi, their wings folded against their bodies and their heads down, grazing. Azure’s heart leapt at the sight of a small old witch handing a bridle off to a tall wizard. She bounded forward, but slowed when she realized she was about to careen into Gran.
“Gran! You made it!” Azure said, excited. “I was afraid Gillian wouldn’t be able to find the house.”
Gran turned around, appraising Azure. She didn’t open her arms to her granddaughter, but did pinch her mouth together. The young queen wanted to believe that a sentimental emotion had just passed through the old witch’s heart, briefly showing on her face. “Azure, shall we discuss your clothes first or your lack of faith in my ability to find Mage Lenore?”
Azure’s mouth fell open. “I just figured that Gillian—”
“I didn’t need Gillian to find Mage Lenore’s home,” Gran said. “Now, what are you wearing?”
“They’re called ‘jeans.’ They’re super-comfortable,” Azure said, pushing back her robe to show them off. “And this is a t-shirt. It’s lovely.”
Gran shook her head. “Comfort is what you give to your people by leading, and they want a ruler who dresses like a leader.” Gran was wearing an elegant lavender silk robe adorned with rubies. A large tassel hung from the collar, where it was tied snuggly.
“It’s good to see you too, Gran,” Azure said, curtsying to the queen mother. It didn’t matter that she was queen. If it hadn’t been for this woman and her daughter, Azure wouldn’t be the person she was and able to lead as she did.
From the corner of her vision Azure noticed Gillian, who had just come around one of the flying horses. “It’s good to see you, Gillian.”
The gnome sank into a low bow. “The pleasure is all mine, Your Majesty. I’m grateful that you’re all right.”
“You’re going to break your back, little guy,” Monet said, sidling up next to Azure.
“Monet Torrance, what have you spilled all down your front?” Gran asked him.
He looked down and then burped. “Centaur vodka. I was trying to save it, but alas! I took a bath in it instead. Not as sticky as ranch dressing, I suspect.”
Gran turned her attention to Reynolds, who was on the other side of her. “You see what I mean? It’s like he speaks a different language.”
“Sari, you’re right. I didn’t understand a single word of it,” Reynolds said before stepping forward and taking Azure’s hand. “Queen Azure, your gran has allowed me to accompany her, and while in her company, I offer my protection as well as all of my knowledge and resources.”
Azure was about to express her gratitude when Monet cut in. “Just so you know, she doesn’t need anything in your pants.”
Reynolds laughed nervously. “Monet, I have no idea what you mean. I’m here to protect Virgo by protecting the queen mother. It’s been a long time since she’s ventured from the kingdom.”
“Sure, sure,” Monet said, and then held up two fingers and pointed at his eyes and then at Reynolds, silently saying, “I’m watching you.”
“And there’s the rest of your ragtag crew,” Gran said, waving at Ever, Manx, Laurel, and Finswick as they approached. She turned to Gillian. “I think it’s time we showed them our little surprise, don’t you?”
Gillian nodded. “Yes, I agree.”
“Surprise? What surprise?” Azure asked, suddenly alarmed.
“Well, it’s about Blisters,” Gran began. “We weren’t going to bring him, but…”
A small unicorn with rainbow hair flew around the farthest Pegasus with a giant smile on his lopsided face. Blisters swerved, then slewed sideways. His hooves scrambled in the air as he dropped straight down to fall on his side.
“That was unexpected,” Monet said, suppressing a laugh.
Azure sprinted forward to help Blisters up. “You have wings! When did this happen?”
Blisters stood, shaking his head and turning around to admire his white wings, circling four times before Azure stopped him. His eyes rolled around from dizziness as he said in a squeaky voice, “Can you believe it? I woke up at half past noon and felt awfully achy.” Blisters was talking so fast he wasn’t pausing to breathe. “I thought it was from sleeping in Monet’s bed, which is the only place I feel comfortable when you all are gone. I went to brush my teeth, and you should have seen my face when I looked in the mirror. Well, you know I dropped Monet’s toothbrush right away, and I screamed. Let me reenact the moment for you. It went like this—”
Azure placed her finger to Blisters’ mouth, silencing him. “This is wonderful news, Blisters. You can fly!”
“I guess we’re not addressing the runt’s trespassing into my personal space?” Monet asked.
“We decided to bring him along, although we would have been here significantly faster if we hadn’t,” Gran said, ignoring Monet.
“Clouds are cold and wet,” Blisters said shaking like a dog after a bath and spraying water droplets on the crowd.
“You’ll get used to flying,” Azure said, petting the unicorn before standing upright. She looked at the large house, beside which the Howling Willow stood just as majestically as before. Its long branches were covered in crystals that sparkled in the waning sunlight. A soft breeze swept through and made the branches dance, creating an entrancing music.
Monet turned to Reynolds, his face tight. “Don’t think about stealing anything from the Howling Willow.”
Azure looked at Ever, and guilt jumped into his eyes.
“Again, I’m here simply to protect the queen mother,” Reynolds said, looking offended.
Gran looked between Reynolds and Monet, her lips pursed. “One
cheat telling another to behave. Now I’ve seen it all.” She harrumphed and turned for the house. “Shall we go wake the great Mage Lenore?”
Azure sped up to walk beside Gran, who was moving quite rapidly, even wearing her heavy traveling robe. “It’s evening, not nighttime. Mage Lenore should be awake.”
“When we get tired we nap, no matter what time of the day it is,” Gran said.
“Oh good, you’re speaking in riddles,” Azure said, sarcasm dripping from her words. “Are you insinuating that there’s something wrong with Mage Lenore?”
“Isn’t there something wrong with everyone?” Gran asked, raising a curious eyebrow at Azure.
Monet breezed past them, heading straight for the door. “Speak for yourself, Gran.” He rapped on the door three times before stepping backward.
A full minute passed before the door clicked open. Mage Lenore peered around it, her gray hair filled with curlers. She looked bewildered as she ran her sleepy eyes over Monet, and then Gran and Azure. Understanding sprang to the old witch’s face.
“I almost forgot that you would be calling on me, demanding board for the night and pestering me with questions I won’t answer.” A smile transformed her face, instantly making it look younger.
Monet turned to Azure. “Why does the oldest witch of all time use foam curlers for her hair?” He whispered the question exceptionally loudly.
“Oh, dear,” Mage Lenore said, fumbling in her apron for her wand. She pointed it at her head, and the pink curlers disappeared. Her gray hair was now in rows of perfect curls. “I was so groggy from my nap that I forgot all about my curlers. My apologies.” She looked at Monet and whispered just as loudly as he had, “Spells just don’t give my hair the right shape. For special company I prefer the old-fashioned approach.”
Monet bowed slightly. “I’m honored that you call me ‘special,’ cousin.”
Mage Lenore gave Monet a disgusted stare. “So, you’ve discussed the Torrance family with Myrtle. You and I will talk about this later. Much later.” She reached out and shoved him aside. “The special company is this woman right here.”