by Sarah Noffke
Witches jumped in the air and wizards shouted louder than she’d heard them do in a long time. The crowd dispersed, the excited voices discussing a celebration to welcome the unicorn to the realm. They had other things to celebrate as well, like the fact that the other unicorns had purified the water sources, so they’d largely avoided a colossal attack from the Land of Terran. Yes, many had drunk the water or consumed herbs or food from the farm, but the magic loss would take time, according to Emeri.
Azure ordered that all the crops irrigated with the infected water be destroyed. It would set the people of Virgo back, but it was for the best. The fairies had agreed and decided to work through the night to prepare the farms for new seeds.
“It’s going to work out,” Emeri said, taking the place beside her daughter.
“I know. It just feels like a huge setback, and directly after my coronation,” Azure said, watching as a group of witches knelt by Blisters and took turns petting his soft mane. Unicorns weren’t known to be whores for attention, but Blisters didn’t seem to follow the protocol of most unicorns. Actually, he broke every single rule regarding the majestic creatures.
Finswick stared at the display, his expression calculating. Azure reached down and patted the feline on the head. “Don’t worry. He’s not replacing you.”
Her familiar turned his gaze up to meet her. “I’d hope not. I’ve never made the request to have my own wing,” Finswick said.
“We didn’t give it to him,” Azure replied.
“No, but you gave him the oversized suite usually reserved for the Silver Griffins when they visit Virgo. What will you tell them when they come?” Finswick asked, his black and white tail flicking with anger.
“I’ll tell them that they have the honor of rooming with a chatty unicorn. They’ll be delighted,” Azure replied, knowing this problem with Blisters was far from over. Those damn unicorns had known what they were doing when they bargained. They had dumped Blisters on her, and the trail of issues he brought with him went on for miles.
***
“What will you do now?” Emeri asked, her back straight as she stared at the gathering crowd. Witches and wizards were a naturally happy species, and had chosen to celebrate a victory tonight rather than a loss. That’s why Carlsbad was handing out ears of his roasted corn for free. A sweet witch named Kissmore was offering small cups of her spun sugar. And a traveling band of musicians were warming up, ready to entertain the gathered Virgoans with ballads.
Azure turned and regarded the House of Enchanted in the distance. She should be in there right now, reviewing strategies for how to cure this virus. She should be meeting with the alchemists. Exploring every solution. Instead, she turned back to her mother, who also needed to be saved from this virus. “Tomorrow I’m going to direct my resources to find a cure for the virus. I myself am going to venture into the mountains to locate the Book of Branches. Once I find it, I’ll seek out the rogue dryads. They’ll help us to stop the humans in the Land of Terran. Starting tomorrow, I’m not going to stop until I cure and protect my people.”
“And tonight?” Emeri asked, a smile in her voice.
“Tonight I’m going to celebrate with the rest of Virgo. If this is what they want, then this is what they’ll get,” Azure said, turning to Monet and cueing him.
From only a few feet away, he waved his wand at a cylinder stationed next to him. Something shot out of the cylinder, hardly making a noise. The next moment and the skies over Virgo were alight with bright green and red fireworks. They popped overhead and rained down toward the upturned faces.
“Oohs and ahs” rang out from the crowd, filling Azure with hope. This was right. Battles couldn’t be fought continuously. They needed celebrations in between, she thought.
Azure lifted her chin just as another firework graced the purple skies, lighting up the faces all around. Most were stationed on blankets or had conjured chairs where they could sit to enjoy the music and light entertainment.
Azure and Emeri remained standing, which is why the young queen noticed a bobbing figure moving through the crowd.
“Coming through. Move to the side,” Gran’s voice rang over the violin music softly playing.
“What is that old witch up to?” Azure asked, her mouth only partly open for the words she said to her mother.
“Oh, fuck!” Emeri’s eyes grew wide.
“What is it, Mother?” Azure asked, squinting through the darkness. “Is everything okay?”
“No, it isn’t,” Emeri said, pressing down the skirt of her dress, which was printed with large red roses.
Azure didn’t know what had disturbed her mother, but just then she noticed a figure charging ahead of Sari. Her heart flooded with relief. Maybe there was more to celebrate tonight. She bounded forward, running as fast as her long blue robes would allow her. “Ever!” she cried, smiling. “You made it back!”
The Light Elf smiled back at her. His jet-black hair was especially chaotic tonight, probably from his assorted adventures in the Dark Forest. She met him on a clear patch of grass and threw her arms around his neck. Maybe it was the recent infection, but for whatever reason she was especially grateful that one of her cabinet members had returned safely.
“You haven’t left for the mountains yet?” Ever asked, pulling back from her with relief in his bright blue eyes.
She shook her head, stepping back. “No, we leave tomorrow. There was an interruption.”
Ever’s eyes trailed to something just over Azure’s shoulders, his face going slack. “Does the interruption involve the most adorable unicorn to ever exist?”
Azure laughed, turning to find Blisters at her back. He’d apparently followed her—she was guessing that she should get used to that. “Yes, it kind of does involve this unicorn. Ever, please meet Blisters. He’s decided to take the room next to yours in the House of Enchanted. I daresay he might keep you up from time to time.”
Ever knelt on one knee, bowing his head. “O Majestic Foal, it is quite an honor to make your acquaintances. I’ve always hoped to meet a unicorn—”
“Hello, Ever!” Blister squeaked. “I’m not a foal. I’m considered middle-aged by unicorn standards. And since we’re pretty much roommates, I trust that you’ll help me to reach things that are stored too high. I’ll be especially excited to be fitted with a wand. I wonder when Mage Lenore will be dropping it off? And I’ve heard that there’s a wizarding game called ‘Elements.’ We shall play it every night before bed. At least seven times. And—”
Azure stepped in front of the unicorn, her face a bright shade of red. “And so now you’ve met the newest resident of the House of Enchanted.”
Behind her, Blisters could be still heard babbling, although a group of witches were trying to lure him back in their direction.
Ever stifled a laugh. “You’ve been busy while I was gone?”
“Yes, but we’ll discuss that later. I want to know about you. Were you successful?” Azure asked.
Ever nodded, staring around. “I’m not sure where he got off to, but yes—”
A slap, loud and clear, rang from only a few feet in front of them. “You fucking coward. Would it really have killed you to stand up to that bastard?”
Azure spun to find her mother standing squarely in front of her father, her hand high in the air. Richard’s face was turned to the side, his palm clapped to his jaw.
“She didn’t…” Azure said.
“I do believe that she did,” Ever said, bolting forward to place a wedge between Richard and Emeri.
Curious witches and wizards turned their attention to the pair, their greedy eyes interested in the drama ensuing between the two.
Azure, who had never known her father, found it surreal to see him standing before her mother. He looked healthy enough, although his clothes were threadbare. His brown hair was disheveled, but he wore a slight smile.
“Emeri, you haven’t changed a single bit. You are still as fiery as I remember. I’ve wished to say
that to you for so long, but I couldn’t without attracting unwanted attention from the council,” Richard said, his eyes twinkling. This guy had a fucking death wish, Azure realized, watching as her mother pulled her hand back farther, her eyes vibrating with fury.
Azure bolted forward, carefully pushing her mother back. “No violence,” she whispered.
“But he—” Emeri started, pointing a finger at the man before her.
“Doesn’t matter. I need the people of Virgo to accept him, because he currently isn’t safe outside our borders,” Azure said in a hushed voice, helping her mother through the crowd.
“Azure, I wish you would have told me you were bringing him here.”
“I wish I’d had a chance, but things have been happening too fast.”
Emeri turned her eyes to Richard, who was now behind them. Ever would cart him off and take care of him. She shook her head before returning her gaze to her daughter. “It’s just been so long. And after everything that’s happened…”
“I know. There are many bridges that need to be built, but Richard isn’t our enemy. Actually, he might be in a position to help us attack Terran and protect our people.” Azure gripped her mother’s hands, looking deep into her eyes. “I know you’ve been through a lot, but I need you to help me with this situation, not make it worse. Please try to accept Richard, because if you do, then the people of Virgo will. It will be a great milestone if our people accept a man from the land that recently poisoned them.”
“Not just a man, but the previous emperor of that land,” Emeri said.
“Exactly. Because they know I’m half his. I need them to trust him because he represents part of my leadership.”
Emeri nodded, fondness taking over her expression. “You are so wise, my dear daughter. And yes, of course. I’ll do whatever you need to keep the peace in Virgo.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
Blister nudged the chair out from the table where the cabinet members sat discussing matters of the realm. All eyes watched as the runt unicorn rammed his head into the side of the chair, tangling its legs with those of another chair. A loud screeching noise echoed from the chair every time another attempt was made. Azure knew they should be strategizing, but strangely she couldn’t tear her eyes from this scene.
The unicorn grunted victoriously when the chair finally slid back from the table. He rocked back on his hind legs and pressed his hooves onto the seat. With pure determination in his bright blue eyes he jumped up on the chair, but the force caused it to rock back and land with a crash on the floor.
“I’m okay. I’m okay,” Blistered cried, scrambling to a stand.
“Wow, it’s like a car wreck. You don’t want to watch, but you can’t look away,” Ever said, shaking his head.
Undeterred, Blisters slid his horn behind the back of the chair, trying to lift it upright.
“Yes, Azure is awarded with the most majestic creature on Oriceran and he just happens to be a special needs unicorn.” Monet stared unblinking as Blisters wrestled with the chair.
“He just wants to be like us, sitting in a chair.” Gillian’s voice was sympathetic, although he flinched with annoyance when the unicorn fumbled, dropping the chair to the floor yet again.
“Yeah, like that’s totally not weird,” Monet said and leaned forward, his voice low. “No wonder the herd got rid of him. Now he’s our problem.”
“He’ll be fine. He’s just excited about his new life with us,” Azure offered, finally pulling her eyes away from the commotion. Her eyes briefly connected with Richard’s. She’d asked him to sit in on the meeting and consider taking a formal position as one of the members. She didn’t trust him yet, but her instinct told her that the more diversity she had on the cabinet, the better. “Anyway, down to business. Approximately half our clan has been infected with the virus. Some have started to lose magic already. It’s unclear how fast-acting the virus is. We need to find a cure, but currently the alchemists are stumped. And without Charmsgood, I fear there will be no breakthroughs.”
“Are you still planning on searching for the Book of Branches?” Gran asked.
“Yes. Although a cure is my first goal, I think we need to also be working on defensive measures,” Azure said, nodding.
“I think that would be smart. The virus, according to Emeri, took a few weeks to completely rob her of her magic. That gives us some time, which you’re going to need.” Gran still had her gaze on the unicorn as she spoke. He now had his teeth around one of the legs of the chair and was rocking it back to a standing position.
“You have to give him credit. He’s tenacious,” Ever commented, also intently watching Blisters.
Azure snapped at her cabinet members. “Focus, people!”
“Right,” Gran sputtered, tearing her attention away. “Honestly, I’ve been searching for a cure for this virus since Emeri contracted it. I’m not hopeful that anyone inside Virgo has the solution.”
Turning her head to the side, Azure regarded the queen mother with a discerning stare. “That insinuates that there’s someone outside Virgo who has the answer.”
“Oh good, you’re paying attention. That’s more than I can say for most in this room,” Gran said, flicking her hand in Monet’s and Gillian’s direction. Richard’s nervous eyes were trained on Azure; he was giving her almost too much quiet attention.
Blisters stood just in front of the now-righted chair, heaving ragged breaths. He was about to make his second attempt to sit it.
“Sorry, Queen Azure. I’ve been listening to every word.” Gillian turned, putting his back to the unicorn and staring at Sari. “Where outside Virgo do you think we should look for a cure?”
“Well, since you’re already heading to the mountains, I would say you should pay Mage Lenore a visit,” Gran said casually.
A loud laugh spluttered from Monet’s mouth. He slid back from the table and doubled over, slapping his knee. “Oh, that’s a good one. Next we’re going to change the rotation of Oriceran, and then we’ll lasso a star and completely relocate this planet to a new galaxy.”
Gran narrowed her lavender eyes at the laughing wizard. “Just because no one living has ever seen Mage Lenore, that doesn’t mean that making her acquaintance is impossible.”
“Right.” Monet’s voice dripped with sarcasm. “It’s settled, then. We’ll just hike up to the top of the Mountain of Truth, knock on the oldest witch in history’s door, and ask her to help us out with our problem. Why didn’t I think of that?”
“Because you’re a moron,” Sari said before turning her attention back to Azure. “I think Mage Lenore is the only one who will know the cure to this virus. Your only other solution is to find the rogue dryads and have them intimidate the humans of Terran into giving you the cure.”
“Richard? Can you offer anything on this subject?” Azure asked, her tone clipped.
He shook his head. “The virus, as you know, was created and unleashed without my knowledge. I’ll let you know if something comes to mind, though.”
“Just because the virus came from Terran doesn’t mean the humans have the cure,” Gillian offered.
“Exactly. Which is why I vote that you track down Mage Lenore,” Gran said.
“But no one has ever been able to find her.” Defeat had slipped into Azure’s voice.
“Most haven’t tried. Mage Lenore asked long ago not to be found. She delivers our Howling Willow wands in exchange for privacy on the Mountain of Truth,” Gran explained.
“What if I break that agreement by searching her out?” Azure asked.
“I’d much rather the witches and wizards of Virgo not have wands than lose their magic,” Gran said, her eyes skirting to Blisters. He was inching the chair into place from the floor, trying to situate it close to the table.
“Yes, that makes sense.” Azure’s wand had been delivered decades ago, just before her magic started. That wand now rested on the table in front of her. It was an extension of her, but she would rather have her magic
than the wand.
“So, Queen Mother, you must have some idea of how we can find Mage Lenore,” Ever said.
“Of course I do.” Gran reached into her robe and withdrew a purple amethyst crystal ball. “This once belonged to Mage Lenore. If my suspicions are correct, which they undoubtedly are, then the crystal ball will assist you in finding her.”
“Will we see visions of where to go, or will it light up when we’re close?” Azure asked.
Gran shrugged. “I actually have no idea, but I’ll be curious to know when, or rather, if you return.”
“You are one morbid old witch,” Monet said, shaking his head at her.
“Well, the mountains are dangerous—you all know that. And the Mountain of Truth isn’t a place many return from.” Gran handed the crystal ball to Azure, who eyed the mist swirling inside it.
“Okay, so it’s settled. We’ll set off at first light tomorrow morning for the Mountain of Truth and, contingent upon our survival, we’ll search for the Book of Branches,” Azure said, rising to a standing position while cradling the crystal ball with both hands. She stared down at her father. She didn’t know how to feel about him yet. As his daughter she wanted to push him away, but as the queen of Virgo she knew keeping him close would be wise. She hoped that he would be able to offer insights, due to his expertise, that otherwise she would not have access to.
“Sounds like I need to go stock up. I’m off to the Dark Market,” Monet said, stretching up into a standing position.
The rest of the cabinet members pushed up or away from the table, all exchanging cautious stares before turning their attention on the unicorn. Blisters, with slow grace, jumped from the floor and landed on the chair. He looked around the table, a victorious smile on his face. “I’m ready for the meeting,” the little unicorn said with his bright eyes shining.
“And this meeting is adjourned.” Monet laughed, swinging the door to the room open.
