by Sarah Noffke
“Me?” Azure had to yell to be heard over the loud chiming of the tree. It had increased in intensity. “You’ve chosen me? I don’t understand! You’re the protector.”
“And I have been for a thousand years. I was the first one chosen, because all the Howling Willows had been destroyed by those consumed with greed. However, I always knew that I wouldn’t be the last. A witch, no matter how powerful, cannot live forever.”
A knot suddenly rose in Azure’s throat. She hardly knew Mage Lenore, and yet the idea of the witch not being alive caused her great pain. She pressed her eyelids closed and memories flashed into her mind. A young woman sailing on a ship, overlooking the waters of the Haunted sea. The same woman sharing a meal with an elegantly-dressed wizard. The woman standing in front of the Howling Willow holding a sword. No, not just any sword…the one from the dream. Azure’s eyes sprang open and as a gasp shot out of her mouth.
“That was you,” Azure whispered. “I saw you.”
Mage Lenore smiled. “You’ve always had those visions of me, but now you’re allowing yourself to see them.”
“But how? How can I see things that haven’t happened to me?” Azure asked.
“Because we’re all one. And you, as the protector of the Howling Willow, are rooted to Oriceran and forever connected to all who walk it,” Mage Lenore said.
“So I can know anything about anyone?” Azure asked.
Mage Lenore shook her head. “No, no. You can only know that which the Howling Willow wants you to know. It usually feels random, like a witch’s shoe size or a wizard’s distaste for avocados. Still, that is one of the many gifts the Howling Willow offers the chosen one.”
“The other gifts? Is it the way you age? Cycling through your ages every day and living a long time because of it?” Azure asked, looking down at Finswick. He had the strangest expression, like he’d just eaten an exploding canary by accident.
“I was called to the Howling Willow when I was hundreds of years older than you are now,” Mage Lenore told her, speaking loudly. The crystals’ chiming was now more like loud angry clanging. “The way I age is the gift the tree gave me, and I’m being completely honest when I say that I don’t know what the tree has in store for you, Queen Azure. You see, I’ve found that the relationship that the Howling Willow has with its protector is a personal one. It will be like your familiar— close to you and connected in every way, and also a bit of a pain in the ass.” She looked at the Howling Willow. “I’m getting to that. Quiet down for a moment, would you?” The tree didn’t quiet down. Rather, it swung its branches with more ferocity, making them blur in the wind.
“This is all so unexpected. I never would have thought…” Azure’s voice trailed away as her mind was overwhelmed with all the reasons this wouldn’t work.
“You’re not happy to have been chosen,” Mage Lenore observed. “That was me once. I thought my role as the protector would isolate me, but I’ve found the opposite to be true. After harvest, I deliver wands to many throughout Oriceran. The magic of the tree makes this possible. My connection to the Howling Willow allows me to know the young witches and wizards. Since taking on my role, I’ve never felt lonely.”
“But I have a kingdom to rule,” Azure argued. “Virgo needs me.”
Mage Lenore nodded. “So does the Howling Willow. There is more magic in this one tree than the entire universe, and it has entrusted that power and its guardianship to you. I understand your reservations, but there is no greater honor than what you’ve been chosen for.”
“But why was I chosen?” Azure asked.
“The tree blessed you with the dream because you had the right aptitude for the job. You’re pure of heart, and won’t abuse the power it wields.” Mage Lenore paused, a knowing smile springing to her mouth. “I chose you because when I look at you I see myself.”
“Well, thank you, but—”
“You’re assuming this is a compliment,” Mage Lenore cut Azure off. “I’m stubborn…so much so that I traveled to the Haunted Sea even though my parents forbade it. I’m overly careful with my heart, and withheld it from the man you saw me dining with, afraid of falling in love and losing. I see these characteristics in you, Azure.”
“Oh, well, I guess—”
Mage Lenore interrupted a second time. “And much like you, I am brave, fierce, and will sacrifice everything for the greater good of my people. Queen Azure, I chose you because I knew you were the right one to protect the Howling Willow. Yes, it will demand much from you, but you have that much to give.”
Azure stared down at Finswick. His eyes were wide, and without a doubt he knew what Azure was thinking right then. She drew in a breath and dropped to one knee, bowing her head. “I’m honored to have been chosen, by both you and the Howling Willow. I take my role to protect magic seriously, and from this day forward my life belongs to the tree.”
“Oh, Merlin’s beard! Hell, no.” Mage Lenore laughed. “You’re not kicking me out just yet. I’ve still got time on this planet.”
Azure flipped her head up, gasping. “I’m sorry. I just thought—”
Mage Lenore was still laughing as she cut Azure off. “Your willingness to drop everything and take on this role is exactly why you’re the right person. Your time to protect the tree will come soon, but I daresay you have a mission that demands your attention right now. I’m not sure what the parameters of your guardianship will look like. Maybe you’ll live here in the house built from Howling Willow.” Mage Lenore waved a hand at the three-story house that was the strangest and most wonderful place Azure had ever seen. “And maybe you’ll rotate through your ages each day as I do. I cannot say. But when the time comes—when I die, which will be fairly soon—you will take on my role as the protector of magic.”
Azure swallowed, unsure if she should be happy or sad or completely confused.
“But before any of that, you should meet the tree that has visited your dreams every night since you were born,” Mage Lenore said, holding her arm out to the Howling Willow.
“Is this when you teach me how to harvest?” Azure asked.
Mage Lenore smiled at her as if she were a special-needs chimpanzee. “Oh, queen, we both know that you’ve been learning how to do that all your life. The harvest is not something another person can teach a true protector. The tree has been showing you what men didn’t know for centuries. They cut down the Howling Willows willy-nilly and then wondered why the wood died after some time, taking with it the magic. But you know how to harvest it the right way, so that its magic never dies. You know how to do it so that the tree will never be overconsumed.”
Azure took a step toward Mage Lenore and Finswick followed, but the old witch held up a hand.
“You may stay, Azure, but you, Finswick Morgan, must remain here,” Mage Lenore said. “What the young queen must do now, she does on her own.”
Finswick hadn’t said a word since this strange adventure started. He looked up at Azure and sort of smiled in that way he did when he was serenely happy. “Neither the tree nor Mage Lenore could have chosen a better witch.”
Azure was unable to say anything, so she simply nodded her appreciation to her cat. She raised her chin high and strode toward the tree, which was still waving in the wind and making gentle music.
As she neared the ancient tree she felt a draw, as if it were pulling her in with a cord. Memories washed over her. Mostly they were her own, but many belonged to others. Flashes streaked across her vision, many going back to the prehistoric age. This tree had been here since the beginning. The Howling Willow was as old as time.
Azure knelt when she was close to the tree, but maintained a safe distance. “I’m honored to serve you, Majestic Howling Willow.”
The chimes from the crystals on its branches had been playing a song, but suddenly it had lyrics.
Azure Lydia Vladar…so we officially meet. I will always honor you, protect you, and provide that which you need. You know what is expected of you in return, correc
t? the tree chimed in her head.
“I’m to protect you from others and harvest your branches for wands once a month. Is there anything else?” Azure stood up, staring at the willow’s branches as they swayed.
You’ve forgotten the most important part of your job, the tree sent.
Azure’s face scrunched in confusion. “What’s that?”
As with all loved ones, you must tolerate me at my worst and battle me to bring out the very best. Mothers do it with children, and children do the reverse with their parents. We all have demons inside us, but thankfully we also have those who love us unconditionally. The morning after, you will have to forgive me for what I become on the full moon.
Suddenly the moons seemed to swing high into the sky, casting a bright glow on the Howling Willow. It lifted its branches into the air and then froze. Azure tensed, remembering the dream. She clambered backward, but not in time. The branches swung down at her as one and a howl screeched through the air. One of the branches caught her across the arm, searing it with mind-numbing pain. She clapped a hand over the wound and turned to Mage Lenore, her insides jittering.
“I don’t… I don’t have the sword! What do I do?” Azure screamed. In the dream she’d always had it—the sword that appeared from seemingly nowhere—but presently all she had was her wand.
“The Howling Willow gave you your sword long ago,” Mage Lenore called, her words more in Azure’s mind than verbalized.
Azure ducked the tree’s multiple assaults. It was howling so loudly now that she was sure her ears would explode. The Howling Willow already gave me the sword? she wondered frantically.
Azure dove to the ground as branches swung over her. The tree was going to kill her! Fuck protecting it! She was the one who needed protection from this damn monster.
Azure rolled onto her stomach and pushed to a crouch. The tree’s branches were sticking eerily straight up in the air—which just meant it was planning its next assault, she knew instinctively.
The Howling Willow hadn’t given her a sword. The staff she had received was made from its wood, but that was in the carriage. And then, of course, there was her wand…
Azure felt as if the breath had been sucked out of her, and she tensed as the Howling Willow’s branches swung all at once. It reminded her of a toddler throwing a tantrum. Carefully, without any sudden movements, she reached for the wand in her robes. She nearly had her hand around it when the branches shot into the air again and whipped violently, and Azure ducked as she withdrew her wand—which was strangely heavy, requiring both hands. Her eyes widened in shock as she stared at the giant sword she had removed from her robe, then she stood and raised the silver and blue sword above her head.
The tree’s branches spiraled toward her. Azure caught them with the sword, cutting off the ends, which clattered to the ground. Again and again she parried the tree’s blows with the sword, countering each of the assaults. For what felt like a lifetime the two sparred, which eventually became more of a dance rather than a fight.
The howling was all at once replaced by the most peaceful silence Azure had ever enjoyed as the Howling Willow grew still, its branches not even swaying in the gentle breeze. Just like that, it was over. Azure stared downward as she had in the dream. Branches covered in crystals lay in a neat arrangement at her feet.
Azure sucked in a breath. The crystals suddenly receded into the wood, sealing their magic deep into the branches where it would be sealed there forever. Azure had successfully harvested the Howling Willow, and knew this would not be her last time.
Chapter Eleven
Monet and Ever stared across the table at their queen. She’d awakened that morning in the blue villa to their incessant knocking. When she’d stood up from the four-poster bed, she’d found that every muscle in her body ached.
Azure had refused to say a word to them until she had eaten something, since she thought the lack of food was starting to catch up with her. Strangely, as soon as she'd felt the craving for food, the dining room table in the living area of the villa had been stocked with fruit, juice, tea, fresh steaming-hot bread, and other good things.
Damn, the Howling Willow is badass! she thought, grabbing a piece of bread and spreading strawberry jam on it.
“What do you mean you’re the new protector of the Howling Willow?” Monet asked in astonishment after she’d hastily confessed.
Azure crammed the toast into her mouth and said between chews, “Just that. I was chosen, so when Mage Lenore passes I will take her place.”
“But we can still party, right?” Monet asked.
Azure nearly choked on the orange juice she was drinking to wash down the bread. “Of course that’s your concern! A tree tried to kill me.” She pointed to her bandaged arm. That was about as much as she could say, and she knew it at her core. Only the protector could know the details of the harvest—that was one way the Howling Willow was protected.
“Let me take a look at that.” Monet had the bandage off before Azure could protest.
She noticed that Ever looked as if he were mourning a loss. His head hung, and his lips were pinched together at an odd angle.
“I don’t know how my new role will change my life. I presume I’ll still be queen, but I honestly don’t know. If necessary I’ll give my mother back the crown, because nothing is more important than protecting the Howling Willow,” Azure stated, trying to make Ever feel better.
He brought his eyes up to meet hers. “It’s a huge responsibility, and the greatest honor I could ever imagine. Your path has been chosen.” A pained smile etched itself onto his lips. “Selfishly, I worry how this changes your future.”
Monet whipped his head up to stare at Ever before looking at Azure. “Oh man, you’re right. You’re pretty much married to that tree for the rest of your life.”
The toast churned uncomfortably in Azure’s stomach, so she sat up and cleared her throat. “Well, for now I’m still queen of Virgo, and I’m on a mission to stop vampires. I will not think of my future role as protector until that time comes.”
Ever nodded, trying to inject strength into the movement. “It really is the most amazing thing to ever happen to someone. I can only imagine the power you wield now.”
Azure nodded, leaning forward excitedly. “You have no idea. I’m connected to the tree, which is deeply rooted into Oriceran, which connects me to everything. I now understand how Mage Lenore knows so much.” Azure waved her hands at the villa around them. “This house, her life, the strangeness of this mountain... I know how it all works, and that power flows in me.” A sharp pain shot through her arm. “Ouch!” She shot a look at Monet, who was messing with her wound.
“That power is also enough to kill you,” Monet said, standing back with a serious look on his face.
“What?” Azure said, looking down at the wound she’d bandaged last night. Green slime dripped from the laceration, and she instantly felt light-headed.
“Is she okay?” Ever asked, darting around the table.
“Well, I’m pretty sure the tree’s assaults could be her end, but not this time.” Monet looked at Azure and laid a gentle hand on her shoulder. “I’ll be right back. I have a potion that will combat the poison, but you’re going to owe me big for saving your life…again.”
Azure drew in a breath. “Put it on my tab.”
Monet left without another word. Ever stared at Azure’s wound and then at her face.
“This will one day make you Mage Azure, you realize.”
“Oh my.” Azure clapped a hand to her mouth and swayed, thinking she’d pass out. The poison must be getting to her.
“I’m really happy for you,” Ever said, but there was something in his voice that was distinctly unhappy.
And then in a flash, Azure saw it. Saw the man before her as a child, as a young boy, as a man, and knew without a doubt what she had long suspected. Ever had been inexplicably and relentlessly in love with her from the very beginning.
Azure opened
her eyes and stared at the man before her, the one who made her feel safe. Who made her feel alive. If she allowed herself to feel such things, there would be a confession right then. However, Azure realized that, much like Mage Lenore, she must be careful with her heart.
“I’ve been able to decipher enough of the Book of the Dead to know that we need more. There’s simply not enough here to go on. I need the other pages,” Gillian told Azure, looking up from the large table where they’d enjoyed last night’s meal.
“Manx, would you mind not pecking at that bagel right next to the ancient page?” Azure asked, shooing the raven form of the pooka away. Her arm had felt better instantly after drinking the potion Monet gave her. He’d burst back through the villa door, saving her from thinking about her heart or Ever’s.
Manx raised his head from the onion bagel and stared at Azure blankly. “Queen, if you knew anything about anything, you’d know that the page can’t be destroyed.” He thrust his beak straight down into the page, puncturing it.
“Manx!” Azure scolded, picking up the bird, who morphed into a giant black dog, whom she dropped. She fell backward and landed hard on her injured arm as Manx bounded off barking.
“He never gets tired of that joke,” Ever said, helping Azure up.
“The page, though. Is it…” Azure stood to find Gillian holding the page in the air. It was free from any punctures.
The gnome smoothed his stubby hand over the page after laying it back down. “The pooka is indeed correct, which is why the original founder vampires stole the pages and scattered them. They couldn’t destroy the book, but they could keep the relevant information from those who wanted to end vampirism.”
Gran, who looked more refreshed than she had in the last ten years, strode over smiling broadly. She spread her arms wide. “Oh, my dear Azure. When all this is yours, I’m moving in with you.”
