Celesia curtsied. “You’re Groth’s mother?”
“Aye,” the ogress replied. “I am so very proud of my boy, looking after the two of you. Ereman said he had something special in mind when the palace of LaVóndia is new again. A memorial befitting a hero. He asked me to watch over you until then, and mind the kitchens.”
“Pleased to meet you,” Celesia said. “Miss ...”
“Dabindaz. Call me Dabi, if that’s a mouthful.”
Celesia smiled. Groth’s just like his mother ...
“And you’re as pretty as your mother too, Princess.” Dabi started back for the kitchens before Celesia could ask if she had read her mind. “I must be getting back to fermenting the carrots for the marinated duck tonight. Goodbye! I look forward to baking your wedding cake.”
˙ ˚ ˚ ˚ ˙
All through the following month, the love between Artizan and Celesia only grew. Fresh green leaves had begun to sprout on the limbs of forest trees. Many new wildflowers welcomed the advent of spring. Most of all, they enjoyed their rides throughout the country with Hilander and Tamsyn. Celesia didn’t understand why the horses wanted to stay, until she learned their herd had banished the two of them for allowing humans to ride on them. Neither Tamsyn nor Hilander appeared to be saddened by this. They wanted nothing more than to be the royal steeds of Artizan and Celesia. In their own way, this would restore their dignity to all creatures.
They often visited the river at the bottom of the cliff where they had first met, as well as the clearing in the forest where the dagger had tethered itself to Celesia. Fond memories encompassed their thoughts, replacing the heated disputes that they once shared.
A grand feast welcomed the first day of summer. The castle host gorged themselves on an amazing meal that was arranged on gold plates. Celesia didn’t know when she had tasted anything so exquisite, until Dabi arrived with the main course—venison, roasted to perfection.
No one could’ve imagined that an ogre was capable of outperforming the royal chefs of Bëdoustram.
Lýnivad raised his cup. “If this is any indication, then I look forward to the coming wedding feast.”
A trumpet sounded from the courtyard. Ereman had returned. The wizard made his way to the banquet hall, using his staff like a walking stick as he approached the table. Sarandretta waved to him. He smiled back. Wet mud soiled the hem of his robe, his clothing worn.
“A thousand pardons for my delay,” Ereman said. “Might I acquire a portion of this fine meal?”
Sarandretta and Nichasin made room for Ereman to sit with them. The wizard pulled up a chair with the wave of his staff, and sat before a plate of rotisseried hens. Lýnivad asked him many questions, but it was difficult for him to answer with his mouth full. He was vague on the details of his journey, or chose to be. His entire persona seemed to emanate with endless riddles.
The wizard kissed Sarandretta on the cheek before he finished his first glass of wine. Celesia saw something different about the mage. She was no longer so haggish. She had fewer warts on her neck. Blonde locks mingled with her mangled hair, making her look younger.
“What business had you?” Lýnivad asked.
“Much,” Ereman answered. “I went and have visited every realm of LaVóndia, searching for the missing magic that was released, as well as my informing the magical world of the Alchemist’s fall and the coronation that shall take place after the first week of summer.”
Artizan and Celesia smiled at each other.
“Why, that’s next week!” Lýnivad raised his eyes. “And the missing magic is not restored yet?”
Ereman wiped his mouth with a napkin. “When we set the magic of the Dragon’s Heart loose, it spread all throughout the land without a guide to show it where to go. The magic will, however, answer to the heir of the Royal Magical Family—once he is announced King.” He paused to glimpse at Artizan. “We have little choice in the matter, Your Grace. Without a king’s authority, the magic of the land will be disorganized and lost.”
“Then coronate him, before it is too late!”
“Worry not, for there is time. We must pack supplies for a week, so I may show you your wedding present.”
This news excited Celesia. She was ready for another adventure. After six days of travel on horseback, passing through the forest of Erdwyn and the grassy plains, they saw a white spire touching the firmament, where the ruins of LaVóndia once stood. The light of noonday reflected its elegant stonework. Celesia wondered if the wizard had done this all by himself. There was no outer wall or bastions to mount soldiers in a siege. Ereman explained to them, so long as their hearts remained steadfast and pure, the palace would never fade.
“Only callous residents will deteriorate it.”
A swarm of fairies greeted them when they arrived. The creatures were making last minute modifications to the architraves, the carvings embodying events from Celesia and Artizan’s quest. Ereman guided them to the palace as soon as they dismounted. Beyond a massive door was an entry hall. Celesia recognized every feature, as illustrated in The Realms of LaVóndia, but there was no color. All that changed when Artizan stepped inside.
A splash of radiant hues rippled away from his foot. Thick curtains appeared from out of nowhere, and they arranged themselves along the windows. Enormous marble columns revealed blue and silver layers. A long cerulean carpet unraveled at the top of the stairs, and then ended at their feet. On the other side, between two curving staircases, sat a double throne of white gold.
A map of the kingdom appeared on the ceiling.
“Wow!” Artizan said. “Why did this happen?”
Ereman’s eyes sparkled. “The palace belongs to the Royal Magical Family. It will heed to your command, and your wisdom will forever fashion the interior.”
Artizan looked at Celesia. “Help me stay wise?”
She nodded with a smile. “No trouble at all.”
Hand in hand, the two explored the palace.
˙ ˚ ˚ ˚ ˙
Both wedding and coronation took place the next day. Sarandretta had fashioned ceremonial outfits for Celesia and Artizan, embroidered with sapphire and silver. Her dress and his suit matched the occasion and season immaculately, and they had a hard time keeping their eyes to themselves. Ereman entered, announcing that their coronation was ready to begin. Thunderous cheers and applause sounded when Celesia and Artizan stepped outside. An unprecedented number of men and creatures of magic had crammed the courtyard. Every creature Celesia had met was present. General Buff Key and his army was loudest of all. A few larger creatures also arrived, like the giants and dragons of the badlands. They glided around the palace to pay their respects to the new ruler of LaVóndia. Moltinarva lead them.
The crowd fell silent when Ereman raised his staff.
“This day marks the beginning of a new era for LaVóndia. A hundred years ago, this land was robbed of its magic and beauty by the Alchemist. I announce to you this day, the threat of the Alchemist’s return is no more. I also announce to you this day, Prince Artizan—heir to the throne of LaVóndia—is your King!”
Every spectator cheered as they clapped.
Ereman held out his staff again, and stirred its glass sphere. A jeweled crown with a velvet lining appeared over his hand. Ereman handed it to Brookwind the elf, the newly appointed steward of the palace grounds. The wizard performed the same charm again, revealing a thin tiara that matched the colors of the crown.
The wizard motioned for the elf as he waited for Artizan to bend his knee. Ereman retrieved the crown and held it over the prince’s head. “He who lived by the heart of a dragon will rule with the wisdom and might of one.” He lowered the crown. “Hail, King Artizan!”
The people fell to their knees as Artizan rose to his feet. The wizard and Celesia knelt, too. Even the wild horses lowered their heads. Artizan was the only man or creature left standing. “LaVóndians,” he proclaimed with a humble voice. “If it hadn’t been for the courage of an extraordinary princess
, I wouldn’t be your king today. She answered the call of a perilous quest, and was willing to give all that you may be free this day.” Artizan gave Celesia his hand, and raised her up. Admiration gleamed in his eyes as he knelt to her. “You should be honored this day. I wouldn’t be here without you.” He paused to smile. “All hail Celesia, Queen of LaVóndia!”
The people and creatures of magic bowed to her, as the wizard placed the beautiful tiara on her head.
˙ ˚ ˚ ˚ ˙
Not an inch of the palace was vacant of guests that night. Food was abundant, and the musicians provided ongoing melodies for those who desired to dance. Dabi was busy making everything perfect, including the tallest cake the world had ever seen. She placed two figurines on it—one a princess, and the other a black dragon.
Ereman steadily made his way toward them.
“Thank you for everything,” Artizan said.
The wizard bowed. “I should be thanking you, Your Majesty. With you as our King, I will soon find the lost magic. Thank you Celesia, for unlocking my riddles.”
Celesia smiled as she bowed. “Those riddles were enough to keep me on my toes, but there is one that remains—what happened to the Dragon’s Heart?”
Ereman shrugged. “I am afraid I lost it.”
“Lost it?!” Celesia and Artizan asked together.
“Yes,” Ereman admitted. “My last league of errands brought me to Caperholm, so I could speak with King Typonus of the Merpeople. I steered my boat above the Eternal Abyss, where the waves are terribly violent. It fell from my hand. I could not risk swimming after it.”
“Then, it’s gone forever, all by accident?”
Ereman winked. “Yes—a complete accident. However, I do have a gift for you. A little something Sarandretta found that belonged to your mother.” He cupped his hand over her hand, and dropped something small and metal into her palm. “I wish you eternal happiness.”
The wizard walked away as Celesia studied the ring in her hand, a gold band with a clear jewel—that belonged to her mother. Although she was gone, she had found a way to leave Celesia a wedding gift. Soon after, Artizan and Celesia ditched the party to explore the courtyard behind the palace. A manicured path led them into the night. At the center was the memorial of heroes.
Groth’s petrified eyes stared back at them.
“This is the best day of my life.” Artizan guided her to their beloved companion. “I wish Groth was here.”
“He is.” Celesia set the ring at Groth’s feet. “A token of promise, Groth. We’ll find a way to restore you.”
Artizan guided her to a willow by the bank of a small stream. A bridge crossed over the water. They looked over the courtyard as a dozen little green lights flashed in the air. Groth had mentioned these creatures once.
“Fireflies!” said Celesia. “Groth told me they used to glow over the plains in summertime. Maybe this is his gift to us. LaVóndia’s magic is coming back.”
The soft green lights under their bellies was enough to see them by, in the dark. She reached out and caught one. The tiny insect studied her palm. It had wings that made her think of the dragon. She then encouraged it to flicker away, before she turned and kissed her prince.
“Do you miss flying in the sky?” she asked.
“No—my heart soars when I’m with you.”
They smiled and held each other, longer than ever.
Suddenly, a new feeling came over her. A thin breeze tossed her hair. They hovered over the trickling stream, as more fireflies glowed around them. Celesia cried in surprise as she flung her arms around Artizan, staring at the ground. A blue moon loomed over the horizon.
Celesia gasped. “How are you doing this?”
“It’s not me,” he replied. “It’s all you.”
The two laughed, and they kissed again.
Not far from them, at the base of the cherry wood statue of Groth, her mother’s ring began to glow as the fireflies. Its light spread over the ogre’s wiggling toes.
The End
About the Author
David Powers King was born in beautiful downtown Burbank, California where his love for film inspired him to write. His works include the internationally published YA Fantasy WOVEN, The Undead Road: My Zombie Summer, and Full Dark: An Anthology. An avid fan of science fiction and fantasy, David also has a soft spot for zombies and the paranormal. He currently lives in the mountain West with his wife and four children.
Learn more at www.davidpowersking.com or visit David on Goodreads.
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