Soul Stone Mage Complete Collection Boxed Set

by Sarah Noffke

  “And the ones in the statue garden?” Ever asked.

  “Same idea. By healing the Dark Forest, we will have absolved their crimes. They’ll be warned, but everyone gets to start over,” Azure said, hope in her voice.

  “And do you think you really can heal the Dark Forest? That’s quite the job,” Manx asked. He had now taken the form of the shaggy black dog.

  “I think that I can do anything, with the help of my friends,” Azure said. She looked at Ever. “What do you think? Will this work for you?”

  “Killing an ancient race of nymphs seems like it would be much easier, but sure. Let’s try it.” He winked at her, shadows still dancing in his dark eyes.

  “Okay. So now, stealer of the Book of Branches, please inform us where the rogue dryads can be found, since I don’t think it’s in the middle of a desert,” Azure asked.

  “Oh, but appearances have deceived you,” Ever said, waving his arm at the dust bowl in front of them.

  The group blinked at the empty desert, most of them shaking their heads.

  “I don’t get it. What are we missing? I’m cool with anything, if it includes whiskey shots. Does it?” Monet asked.

  Ever withdrew a long stick of shiny metallic bark from his pocket. It resembled the wood that the witches’ and wizards’ wands were made from.

  “Hey, that’s from the Howling Willow,” Azure declared.

  “It’s true. I took it when we were on the top of the Mountain of Truth. However, it was a fallen piece,” Ever explained.

  “Doesn’t matter. We were told by Mage Lenore to stay away from the tree.” Azure seethed, her nostrils flaring wide.

  “And I knew, based on talking to certain individuals on Earth, that we’d need a piece of the Howling Willow to properly see the land where the rogue dryads sought refuge.” Ever held the piece out for Azure to examine.

  “I could have just used my wand. It was made from the Howling Willow.”

  “Actually, it’s been altered, so no, you couldn’t have. Scenic, the land of the rogue dryads, requires a piece of unaltered Howling Willow.” Ever strode forward until he was at the edge of the rock that overlooked the crater before them.

  “Okay, so where is this place? Scenic?” she asked.

  “It’s right there.” Ever swept his arm out.

  The group blinked at the dusty desert before them.

  “Yeah, I don’t think so, buddy-old-pal.” Monet snorted.

  “You don’t see it now because it’s cloaked. However...” Ever held the piece of wood in the air and muttered an incantation. Symbols began to rise to the surface of the skin of his arms and neck, and the brown dusty crater was replaced by a shimmering green forest, complete with a waterfall and a beautiful sparkling lake in the center.

  Ever turned to the group; everyone’s mouth was hanging open. “Welcome to Scenic.”

  Chapter Ten

  Birds that had been unseen moments before flew between the lush tops of the trees below where the group stood. The mist from the waterfall created a rainbow effect, and the enchanting smell of nectar-filled flowers rose into the air.

  “Okay, paradise, here we come,” Monet said, taking a step forward. A staircase made of stone and covered in patches of moss stretched from where they stood to the grassy land below them.

  “What is this?” Azure asked.

  “The rogue dryads will have to explain, but from what I’ve learned from the Book of Branches, this was where they originated. It’s a cloaked part of their land, and I sense it was once much bigger,” Ever said, taking the steps behind Monet.

  “I guess I could eat grass,” Blisters grumbled from the back of the group. “It’s what some unicorns eat. Not really befitting of a wizard unicorn, though.”

  “This place is incredible,” Gillian said, his trusty notepad already out and being scribbled in.

  “How will we find the rogue dryads? What does the book say about that?” Azure asked, nearly being knocked off the steep staircase by Manx, who raced forward in dog form.

  “I don’t think finding them will be a problem,” Ever said, coming to a halt beside Monet on the grassy lawn. Before them stretched a forest, rich with life and bustling with sounds and smells.

  Azure wasn’t sure what he meant until her vision cleared and she realized that the line of trees bordering the grassy lawn weren’t trees at all. Women with tree branches and waving vines for hair stood in a line. Real trees, tall and covered with lush leaves, stood at their backs. The women had brown skin and their hair-vines were covered in leaves. They wore mossy dresses that started just under their arms and dropped to the forest floor. These were the rogue dryads. They weren’t beautiful like women, but rather exquisite like trees, although they were more reminiscent of people than of plants.

  A dryad with sharp eyes and roses crowning her head stepped forward, her mossy gown swaying. Fireflies swarmed in her dress, giving light to her movement. “We’ve remained hidden for many centuries. That was for our protection, and for the protection of the forest. What brings you here, Queen Azure?” the rogue dryad asked, her voice deep.

  “You know of me…I should have guessed.” Azure stepped forward, bowing to the leader of the rogue dryads.

  “I am Payne Springs, and these are my sisters,” the dryad said, waving her long branch-like arms at the women around her. She moved like a woman, but the skin on her arms took on the appearance of bark if not looked at directly.

  “Payne Springs, thank you for allowing us into your borders. I—”

  “I do not believe I was given a choice in the matter. You barged into my land. Scenic has been uncloaked, thanks to you,” Payne Springs said.

  “I’m sorry. I believe we should be able to help you fix that.” Azure turned to Monet, who nodded with an irritated look in his eyes. He headed for the stairs, off to charm the land of Scenic so it again couldn’t be seen. It would merely involve removing Ever’s charm, which would reinstate the enchantment initially placed on the area.

  “Why do you bother us? We have no business with you, Queen of Virgo. You’ve done nothing to earn our ill favor,” Payne Springs said.

  “I know I haven’t. My people and I respect the forest, but we recognize that others have made mistakes. I want to offer you a deal. It will free many, but more importantly, it will heal the Dark Forest, which we all hold dear and now needs our attention,” Azure said. She sucked in a breath and rushed into her rehearsed speech.

  “You really believe that you and your comrades can heal the Dark Forest? It has been harmed greatly,” Payne Springs asked, her branch-like hair wiggling down her back.

  “Yes. Even if it kills us, we will bring the forest back,” Azure stated.

  “Uhhh…hold up a sec,” Monet spouted, trotting back down the stone staircase as he returned from reinstating the cloaking enchantment.

  “If we heal the forest, I want your word. You’ll release all wrongdoers from the statue garden. You’ll erase all bad deeds from your minds, but issue a warning to those who you free,” Azure said, her chin high in the air, her shoulders back.

  “Yes, that’s something I’m fine with giving. But the Land of Terran—they, more than any of the others, have harmed the forest. I can’t just look away. Someone must answer for the past, even if the forest is repaired.” Payne Springs turned her head, and a chorus of rustling whispers filled the air. “My people tell me that their emperor is free in the forest, and has been offered as a sacrifice. However, the harpies swarm overhead. They have been the problem since the beginning.”

  “Frederick can’t be the reason for this. It has always been the Duke. He was the one who killed Charmsgood. The one who infected my people with a virus. The one who harvests the forest,” Azure argued. “It is the Duke we want you to punish.”

  “And maybe we will. We will convene at the border of Terran once you’ve healed the forest. They have been horrible to our lands, and could create another wasteland like where you stand now. I need you to bring down
the wards protecting their city so that if they disobey our laws again they will be punished. Their emperor must agree to this, or he will be punished as well. Then we will see about the Duke,” Payne Springs said.

  “And the statue garden?” Ever asked.

  “Those there will be freed by my sisters once the forest is healed, but warnings will be issued and no tolerance will ever be given again,” the leader of the rogue dryads stated. The women around her moved forward, all headed for underground tunnels carved into the side of the crater.

  “You said this wasteland was created?” Azure asked, motioning to where they stood.

  Payne Springs nodded as her sisters departed, leaving her alone with Azure’s group. “Yes, many centuries ago this was a sprawling forest, rich with life. But greed stole from the forest until all that remained was the patch we reside in now. That was when my sisters and I took on the role of protecting the trees. They had no one to stand up for them. They provide so much, and are abused by so many. We vowed that no one would create a wasteland again, but then the humans of Terran started overconsuming the Dark Forest. We have been somewhat powerless to stop them, but that shouldn’t last long if this truce works.”

  “We’ll make it work. I promise,” Azure assured her. “And the virus—you mentioned that you knew of the virus that besieges my people. Do you know how I can save them?”

  The nymph shook her head, leaves rustling as she did. “I know that your people were infected by humans, and only they can fix your illness.”

  Azure crushed her teeth down on her bottom lip. “That’s what Mage Lenore said.”

  “Then, daughter of Emeri Vladar, it is time you accept this answer.” Payne Springs turned, putting her stiff back to the group. “We will reconvene when you have done as you said you would.”

  Chapter Eleven

  “Well, you just set us up for the fucking impossible. Way to go, Azure, Queen of Farce,” Monet grumbled as they climbed the stairs to depart from Scenic.

  “Could you not be so grumpy for once in your life? This isn’t impossible,” Azure said, carrying Manx in her arms. The pooka had apparently worn himself out in Scenic, and had shifted into rabbit form. She’d taken pity on the mischievous fairy and was carrying him out of the ancient land of the rogue dryads.

  Monet spun around, his green eyes slicing like blades. “Even as incredibly brilliant as I am, there’s no way I can create a potion in time to heal the Dark Forest. And you’re powerful, but that won’t help you to fix the thousands of acres that have been destroyed. Even if you were strong enough, how the hell do you expect to find every section of the forest that’s been damaged and repair it? Really, Azure! Why didn’t you just sell Payne Springs a star in a distant galaxy or something else ridiculously impossible?”

  Azure closed her eyes, feeling the heat of the moment overwhelm her. “I know it seems impossible, but there has to be a way. Gran always says that a solution proceeds from the faith that there is one.”

  “Oh, for fuck’s sake—you’re spouting the wisdom of a crazy-ass witch who uses her toenail clippings in her potions!” Monet shook his head, his pale skin flushing red.

  “She says they have a magical quality.”

  “Speaking of the queen mother, do you by chance have the crystal ball she gave you?” Gillian asked, scratching his stubbled chin.

  Azure blanched, the question throwing her for a moment. “Mage Lenore’s crystal ball? I do, actually. I brought it with me, thinking it could be of help.”

  “You’re lugging around a crystal ball in there?” Monet pointed at her bag, disapproval written on his face.

  “Are you thinking that the crystal ball can help us in some way?” Azure asked Gillian.

  “Not in its current form,” Gillian said, off in thought.

  “What if she fitted it onto a piece of the Howling Willow?” Ever asked from the back of the group.

  Everyone turned to find him pulling his pack from his back. He removed the long stick of Howling Willow he’d stolen from the Mountain of Truth and used to open the land of Scenic.

  Azure pushed Manx into Monet’s hands, surprising them both. “Wait, you think that if I attach Mage Lenore’s crystal ball to this piece of Howling Willow it will create—”

  “A staff!” Gillian exploded with unexpected excitement, cutting Azure off.

  “Yes, but not you. You’re not equipped to create something of that sort,” Ever said, a sly smile on his face.

  “Do you mean that you are?” Azure asked.

  “No, but I know a witch on Earth who can. Also, she could possibly have a cure for the virus,” Ever said.

  “Why haven’t you told us about this witch before, if she has the potential to offer a cure?” Azure asked, her anger immediately flaring. She still didn’t trust Ever, no matter what his reasons had been for betraying her.

  “Honestly, I had forgotten about her. However, she’s an expert at making magical weapons on Earth. This topic of forging a staff reminded me of her. She’s extremely powerful and also immersed in the human world, so she might have the cure that Payne Springs and Mage Lenore are referring to, one that comes from humans—or rather, Earth.” Ever spoke quickly, his eyes full of sensitivity and his tone seeking to calm Azure’s fears.

  The Queen of Virgo measured the Light Elf with her intense gaze for a long moment, as if his deceit were on a timer and would explode after a bit of silence. When it didn’t, she said, “Okay, and you can take us to this witch on Earth?”

  Ever shook his head. “No. I can take you.”

  “No deal,” Monet said, stepping in front of Azure with the cute little bunny form of Manx in his arms.

  Ever flicked his eyes to the bunny, who wiggled his nose at him and then gazed straight at Monet. “Look, you know that taking people through the illegal portal could get us caught by the Silver Griffins.”

  “I also know that you’re a fucking liar,” Monet said.

  “I realize that I’ve lost the trust of all of you. I made a mistake, but I’m on your side. I want my father freed, but I also want the Duke of Terran stopped. I want this silent war over. And of utmost importance, I want to fix my mistake. My father wouldn’t be a statue if I hadn’t burned a great deal of the Dark Forest. Give me a chance to make amends—help Virgo, and free my father.” Ever’s mouth hung open after he finished his plea, his blue eyes intense.

  Monet shook his head. “Using fancy words like utmost and amends isn’t going to convince me.”

  “Monet, it’s okay. I need to go.” Azure tried to calm her friend, who looked angrier than she’d seen him in a long time.

  “Azure, he betrayed you.”

  “I know. He made a big fucking mistake. One he will pay for the rest of his life.” She turned and looked at Ever.

  He nodded, his pointy ears turning slightly pink. “That’s fair. A lifelong sentence for stealing a book. I completely deserve your disdain.”

  Azure gave Monet a pleading look. “I have to do this. It’s the only way. I’ll be alright.”

  “You know what I will want if I allow you to do this,” Monet said, his tight lips hardly parting for the words.

  “A supersized bag of Cheetos?” Ever guessed.

  “At least two. You fucked up pretty majorly, and have many amends to make,” Monet told him.

  “Oh, you’re completely ridiculous,” Azure said, shaking her head at the two.

  “We should plan to meet you near the Land of Terran,” Gillian offered, always the voice of reason.

  “Yes, that’s a good idea. How about the spot where I left you both the first time I entered Terran. Right beside the lake?” Azure asked. Monet wore a sour expression still. This wasn’t the way he had wanted things to go, but it was the best plan they had.

  “Okay, we’ll be there when you return,” Gillian said, mounting Blisters, who increasingly looked to be losing his high spirits.

  Azure crouched in front of the unicorn, whose head hung low, his blue eyes dull. “Do yo
u know, you’ve been braver than all these guys?”

  “You’re just saying that, Queen Azure. I wanted to go on this adventure, but I only want to return home now.” For once the little unicorn kept his complaints brief.

  “You know what, Blisters?”

  “What?” he replied, his tone sullen.

  “I want to go home too, but first I have to ensure that there’s a home to return to. I miss curling up in my bed as the sun rises, spooning fluffy pancakes into my mouth, and taking long bubble baths at the end of a hard day,” Azure said, scratching the bottom of the unicorn’s chin.

  Blisters’ eyes perked up. “Me too! Me too! I didn’t think that you, a brave queen, delighted in such experiences.”

  “I am human,” Azure said, and her statement struck her to the core. She was human, and she enjoyed the same indulgences as the people of Terran or those of Virgo. Weren’t they all the same? Unicorns, humans, witches, gnomes, Light Elves—all delighted in the simple things in life.

  “Blisters, may I ask you to do me a favor while I’m gone?” Azure continued.

  “Anything for you, Queen Azure.”

  She slipped her hand into the bag by her feet, pulling a small bit of chocolate from the front packet. It was kept there in case of emergencies, a tip Gran had taught her long ago. Chocolate had healing properties that could revive an overtaxed traveler. “I need you to watch over Monet. He is scared of the dark, and doesn’t like to take a piss on his own. I’ll give you this hunk of chocolate if you’ll take care of him.”

  Behind them, Monet sighed loudly.

  “I’ll ensure he’s not alone when he pees and I’ll cuddle with him at night,” Blisters said, and grabbed the chocolate with his teeth, chewing it happily.

  “If that unicorn punctures me in the kidney with his horn I’m going to have your head, dear Azure.” Monet’s tone was a mix of amusement and irritation.

  “Thanks, Blisters,” Azure said, petting the unicorn on his head. She peered over him at Gillian, who was ready to set out. The gnome raised his chin at her.