by Simone Pond
I nodded, feeling my cheeks heating up knowing Matthias and Benjamin were just a few feet away. I didn’t want them to think of me as delicate or flowery. But it was nice to hear the compliment and feel like a woman again. I watched in the mirror as Sawyer pulled and tugged at my hair, twisting pieces and placing the pearl combs into the round rolls. He applied a dusting of eye makeup, blush, and lip-gloss. After he finished, he doused me in a spicy-scented perfume that made me sneeze. Matthias stared with his mouth slightly parted, either in awe or shock at what a touch of maintenance could do to one’s appearance. He smiled when he caught my reflection eying his gawking.
“Perfection!” Sawyer clapped, then trotted off into a huge walk-in closet.
“Wow,” muttered Matthias, ambling over to where I sat. He touched my cheek. “You’re divine.”
My cheeks really heated up that time. Fortunately, Sawyer came traipsing back into the room with armfuls of garments. On the bed he laid out two charcoal pinstriped suits for the guys and a stunning midnight blue corseted dress for me.
Benjamin held up one of the three-piece suits. “That’s a lot of stuff to deal with.”
“You can leave off the vest, but you mustn’t go without a waistcoat. You’ll stick out like a dandelion in a garden.”
Matthias stripped down without any complaints. I turned the other way, still catching his bare legs in the mirror, and not bothering to turn away. His legs were muscular and defined, and looked sculpted from marble. Before I got too carried away, I grabbed the dress Sawyer had set out for me and excused myself.
“I’ll be in the walk-in,” I said, shutting the door behind me.
It took a solid fifteen minutes to get that dress on properly, and I still needed to call for Sawyer to get the corset right. But when we were finished, I could pass for an Endor witch with my layers of midnight blue, tiny waist, and elegant dark waves cascading over my shoulders.
Sawyer sprayed another gallon of perfume over me. I coughed when the intense scent of coffee beans smacked my senses, but as it settled, the fragrance became as delicate as vanilla.
“Pretty,” I said, inhaling.
“Midnight Opium,” said Sawyer as he grinned. “It’s my Isabella’s favorite perfume. The scent is as addicting as she is.”
Matthias let out a huff. “All of this seems over the top.”
Sawyer shook his head, ignoring Matthias, and began placing a pendant around my neck so the gleaming sapphire gemstone sat atop my bosom. “It’s an amulet,” he said.
“I don’t need this. I have the guiding star,” I said.
“Your guiding star doesn’t shine in Endor, my lady.”
I unlatched the necklace and returned it to Sawyer. “I don’t care. I’m not wearing a charm of Endor. I have the Ancient One on my side and that’s all I need.”
“Hehehe. Have it your way. Hehehe. But you’ve been warned.”
When they finished groaning and complaining, Matthias and Benjamin stood like gallant gentlemen in their pinstriped waistcoats and breeches.
“Marvelous! But do stop fidgeting,” said Sawyer.
“How long do you think this will take?” asked Matthias.
“I guess it depends on how quickly you gather up the breadcrumbs and reach the High Tower. I have much confidence in all of you. Hehehe. I’m sure you’ll arrive quickly and rescue my Isabella before nightfall.”
I held out my hands for Matthias and Benjamin and the three of us joined in a circle. With my eyes closed, I called down into the depths for my magic to do its thing. We might not have access to the guiding star in Endor, but I still had my magic. How much we’d be able to use we’d soon find out.
Chapter 6
My magic got the three of us to the border of Endor in seconds. We ended up on a bridge overlooking one of the canals. We happened to land just as a couple was strolling across the bridge hand in hand.
“What the—?” shouted the man as he stepped in front of the lady. He held a thin wand that he pointed in our direction.
“Pardon us, sir,” I said. “We’re lost. Trying to find our way into the city.”
“Where’d you come from?” asked the woman, stepping forward. She wore a necklace with a large red gemstone sitting at the top of her deep cleavage. The stone reminded me of Magnus’s ruby cane, and I had no doubt this was a powerful amulet.
Matthias bowed slightly, then addressed the couple. “My dear lady and sir, we’re from the outskirts of Endor. We came to see about purchasing some special herbs in town. We’re looking for a place called Charmed, I’m Sure. Have you heard of it?”
The performance was top-notch. Perhaps he was accustomed to doing this sort of thing, having to dodge from city to city. The only thing missing from his act was actual warlock magic, which hopefully wouldn’t become an issue.
“Interesting,” said the man as he adjusted his top hat.
“What’s that?” I asked, my heart starting to beat a bit faster. I sensed this was going south.
“I’ve never seen warlocks or witches with the power to teleport. That’s only an Ancient-born gift. And quite a rare one at that.”
Busted.
The gentleman sent forth an electric blast from his wand, and I called on my magic shield, confused why it hadn’t automatically appeared. Had the teleporting drained me of my resources already? Not good.
“Move!” I shoved Matthias out of the way with every ounce of strength in me.
The shock of the lightning bolt skimmed the bustle of my dress— thank goodness for all of those layers—and before he could fire off another round, I jumped over the side of the bridge toward the canal. I didn’t stop to think whether it was deep enough to cushion my fall. Before I hit the water, two sets of talons dug into the back of my dress and hoisted me. Benjamin flapped his golden wings and carried me skyward over the treetops and set me down by a bench next to a pond. Then he took off again to go after Matthias.
Moments later, the eagle swooped down from the sky and dropped a squirming and dripping wet Matthias by my side.
“I guess you hit the water,” I said.
“You shoved me right over the side of the bridge,” he said.
“My shield wouldn’t work. Must’ve used up my resources teleporting. Sorry.”
Benjamin shifted back into his human form. “That was messed up. We gotta be more careful.”
I sat on the bench. “Means I probably shouldn’t use my magic in Endor.”
“You probably should’ve taken that amulet,” said Benjamin.
“No way,” I said. “I’m not turning my back on the Ancient One. If I do that, I’m no better than the original Ancients who followed after Ashtar. Slippery slope. We’ll get through this together. We just have to err on the side of caution.”
Matthias sat next to me. “Still, I’d like to replenish your resources, just in case of an emergency.”
I laughed. “Oh, I’m not a fool. Please, do your thing!”
He placed his hand on the crown of my head and I closed my eyes, concentrating on the warmth trickling into my scalp and down along my ears and neck. The restorative energy flowed into my body and reached down into my core. Our energies blended together into a lustrous funnel of glowing light. My insides expanded and pulsed. A vast storm trembled through me and combusted into a billion flecks. It was truly magical when Matthias touched me.
“Thanks,” I said as he removed his hand.
He smiled and brushed back the sides of his hair with an air of cockiness. “My pleasure.”
Benjamin cleared his throat. “You lovebirds wanna get going?”
“We’re not lovebirds!” I said.
Benjamin rolled his pretty green eyes. “Whatever.”
Matthias took out the map and unfolded it.
“No need for that,” said Benjamin. “I got an overview of the city. I know where we need to go. Landburry is this way.”
The three of us left the park with Benjamin leading the way. We hit the outer streets of the
enormous web around lunchtime when the residents of Endor were out taking strolls or sitting along the canals eating their sandwiches. We threaded our way through the narrow roads along the row houses with the shops and cafes on the street level. Most of the shops had Closed for Lunch signs hanging in the windows. So it was no shocker that the charm shop was dark when we arrived.
“This is getting increasingly more bizarre,” said Matthias.
“Let’s maintain a level of optimism,” I said, peering into the shop.
The place was an endless sea of giant oak shelves containing jars, books, trinkets, and fossil-like objects that I couldn’t recognize. The shop was anything but charming—it was downright creepy. We stood in the alcove smiling at the people passing by, doing our best to blend in. I was grateful Sawyer had dressed us since everyone in Endor seemed to have the finest and most elaborate garments I’d ever seen for casual daywear. They put Mysterium’s snooty right-bank Oligarchs to shame with their sense of refined style and debonair manner. The fashion of the witches and warlocks had a vintage charm, rather than the gaudy and modern trends worn by the Rightbankers.
The bell jingled in the alcove. I turned to see an older woman with long strawberry-blond hair standing in the doorway. She wore an emerald dress with a lace collar and long sleeves, corseted at the waist, with a full-length skirt draping to the floor.
“May I help you?” she asked, dabbing her mouth with a cloth napkin.
“Are you open?” I asked.
“Depends on what you’re looking for.”
I sucked in a breath and got my pattering heart to slow down so I could speak. “We’re looking for Adele.”
She nodded, raising her pale eyebrows and gazing at me for some sort of recognition. “I am she. But I must apologize, I don’t recognize this witch before me.”
Matthias pressed forward and said, “We’re seeking the one whose fleece is white as snow.”
The woman glanced up and down Landburry Street, her hazel eyes darting with fear, and quickly pulled me into the shop. Matthias and Benjamin trailed in behind us.
Once we were inside, she slammed the door, the bells jingling one last time, and then locked it. Then she spoke some strange words over the entrance, waving her hand. A rainbow of green light danced over the doorway.
“Come.” She ambled down the narrow aisle toward the back of the shop.
We followed her to a tall door where she spoke some more strange words, waved her hand again, then twisted the knob and opened the door.
Matthias grabbed my wrist before we passed through the doorway. “Are you sure about this?”
“I’m trusting my gut at this point. And my magic is restored at the moment, so I’m not too worried.”
Benjamin chuffed. “Hmm. Famous last words …”
“We’ve got yours, too.” I winked.
We stepped into an enormous dome-shaped room that was much larger than the storefront. Along the radius of the generous space, built-in shelves contained thousands of ancient books. The woman scampered to the center of the room and motioned for us to sit on the extravagant baroque couches.
“I prefer to stand,” I said.
“We all do,” added Matthias.
“Very well.” Adele swept the emerald fabric from behind her and plunked down on one of the couches, fanning herself with an ornate silk fan that appeared in her hand out of nowhere. A plate with a half-eaten sandwich sat on the coffee table.
“So, Adele, I take it from your reaction you know what we’re looking for?” I said.
“I can see now that you are no witch. And that one …” She pointed to Benjamin. “Is a shifter. I’m guessing of the winged variety. This fellow I can only assume is a left-bank zealot. No gentleman warlock would ever squirm with such fervor. But you, my dear, I cannot place you.”
“Does it matter?” I asked.
“If you want information it does.” She reached to a box on the dark wood coffee table and pulled out a cigarette, then waited for one of the guys to light it. When neither made a move, she huffed and then snapped her fingers, flicking the tobacco to life.
I wavered for a moment, not sure if exposing my true identity would lead to more trouble or work to our benefit. Lying wasn’t an option, the witch would sniff that right out.
“I’m what those in Mysterium call the Chosen One.”
Adele sat up straight, blowing out a stream of twirling smoke. “So you’re the Chosen One?” Her cackle filled the air, twisting with the stinky cigarette smoke. “The one who eluded the High Warlock.” She let out another burst of laughter.
“Yep,” I said.
“Oh, if Glendora could see you now!” Adele took a long drag from the cigarette.
“Well, that’s not going to happen. Unless she wants to help us, which I highly doubt. So can you tell us how to find Isabella?” I bit my tongue the second her name left my mouth. That was a rookie move. I wasn’t thinking straight for some reason. Maybe it was all the cigarette smoke and the lack of oxygen getting to my brain from the extremely tight corset squeezing my ribcage.
Adele jumped up. “Shhh, child! Don’t you know better than to mention that name?!” She stubbed out her cigarette.
“Sorry, we’re kind of in a hurry. I just didn’t want you to call Glendora over for an introduction,” I said.
“It was a figure of speech, dear. I wouldn’t dare call on the High Witch of Endor. I’m not a lunatic.” She stroked my cheek, then walked toward one of the bookshelves.
“Smooth,” murmured Matthias.
“Sorry, it’s just … she’s taking too long.”
That wasn’t the only reason I lost it. Besides the lack of air to my lungs, the witch was eyeing me like a piece of candy, and I wanted to get out of that shop before she decided to pop me into her mouth. She might not turn me over to Glendora, but that didn’t mean she wouldn’t keep me for her own selfish designs.
Adele strolled back over to the couches and placed a tome on the coffee table and flipped through the parchment pages filled with handwritten script and sketches. She paused on a page with a drawing of a stone staircase. They were the steepest and creepiest stairs I’d ever seen.
“Are you absolutely certain you wish to pursue this trail?”
I nodded. “We don’t have a choice.”
“Where it ends is a very nasty place. The High Tower is, well, it’s not for regular people. And getting there will be a dangerous journey,” said Adele in a motherly voice.
Something told me her concern was sincere. “We have the power of the Ancient One with us,” I said.
She remained quiet for a moment. “It’s a shame, you know. The girl was only helping the stranded. Is that a reason to be locked away?”
“The stranded?” I asked.
“The lost and wandering souls in Endor’s other realm. Those trapped by the spells of the High Witch. The girl would go inside and set them free.” Adele wiped a stray tear from her pale cheek. She honestly cared for Isabella.
Matthias pointed to the drawing of the staircase. “Is this where we need to go next?”
He didn’t mean to sound rude, but sometimes Matthias just had no clue with the finer nuances of speech. But he was right, we needed to move this along. Who knew how many more breadcrumbs we’d have to pick up before we reached the High Tower.
Adele picked up a notepad from the table and scribbled down an address and a crude map and handed it to Matthias. “You’ll need to go this exact route. Do not stray from this path. When you reach the Hazleton Bridge, cross it and make your way to Coventry Place. The stairs are between the old merchant and textile buildings. Only one of you may climb the steps.”
Matthias tucked the slip of paper into his waistcoat pocket and turned to head to the door with Benjamin close at his heels.
“Thank you, Adele.” I kissed her cheek.
“Set her free. She’s one of the good ones,” she said.
When we got to the door, Adele called out, “Word of advice …
Boys, stop fidgeting so much—you’re a dead giveaway. And Chosen One, don’t use your magic unless you absolutely have to. Summoning it will be like a calling card to every sentinel in the city.”
Chapter 7
We left Charmed, I’m Sure and stepped out onto the busy sidewalk. Matthias studied the map Adele had sketched, tucked it away in his waistcoat pocket, and the three of us headed toward Hazleton Bridge. The lunch hour had passed and shops were open again with customers flowing in and out, weaving around us as we kept a careful pace.
“Why are you going so slow?” asked Benjamin.
Matthias shrugged. “She made it sound like if we didn’t follow her instructions to a tee, we’d end up dead.”
I chuckled, looking at Benjamin fidgeting in his gentleman’s suit. “Do I detect some trepidation? Don’t forget, you can fly.”
“I’m not sure how far I’d get. There’s something heavy hanging in the air. Don’t you feel it?” he said.
I took a momentary pause to get a broader sense of our surroundings. I hadn’t noticed when we were looking for the charm shop, but Benjamin was right—the atmosphere had a slightly suffocating density. Maybe it was related to the vibe people put out with their overly meticulous appearances and fancy tailored clothes. Or it might’ve been the manner in which everyone addressed each other, which was entirely too polite, as though they were hiding behind a veneer or putting on a performance. Even the buildings with their ornate exteriors and window displays seemed to be facades.
Matthias peeked at the map and motioned for us to cross the street. “I agree. Something definitely stinks.”
“Like rotten eggs,” said Benjamin.
Like the guys, I sensed something weighing heavily on us. I couldn’t wait to get to those stairs and to the next breadcrumb. The sooner we got through this witch hunt, the sooner we could get back to our ships.
