“It
just doesn't make sense that Shelly and Thatcher would be held
captive in their own kingdom. Surely their guards would strike back
against whatever evil might've befallen them” Arthur speculates as
the maids clear our dessert plates. “True, but what if they've been
put under some kind of spell?” Roonie chimes in. The other's nod in
agreement. “How can we be sure? Nora's amulet has been on the fritz
for quite some time now, then it suddenly spurts out two or three
visions in a single day? Something's weird about that” Jax adds.
“That's true.. and it is rather odd, but my visions have always
been accurate so far” I explain. “Can you be certain which
kingdom your vision was showing you? I would like to know why it's
suddenly started up again. What if the amulet only shows you what you
want to see instead of the
reality of the situation” Luke mentions. I shake my head in
disgust, “Are you implying that I want to see one of my dear
friends throwing up blood and kissing that wretched ex-husband of
hers?” Luke sighs and apologies, “No I don't suppose you do. That
was silly of me. I'm ever so sorry, just trying to sort through the
madness of it all you see.” I give him a little smile, “I
understand. It's hard to think clearly with so much excitement
happening at the castle, plus the terrible events involving our
kingdoms and friends.” Cade rises from his seat next to me and
calls everyone's attention, “Friends let's rest our eyes and minds
for the night. The new day will surely bring insight to a plan of
action. Weary minds don't make wise decisions.” With that we all
shuffle off to our sleeping chambers, though I have doubts that any
of us will get much sleep with everything going on.
A
song bird tweets happily from the window sill the next morn, and my
eyes flutter open slowly. “Cade must've gone to breakfast already.
Golly, I wonder what time it is” I think as I pull myself from the
bed. I ring for Midi to help dress me, and look out the window to the
courtyards. My eyes travel past them, past the villagers hustling and
bustling, out to the open countryside. “Where could you be Shelly?”
I wonder to myself.
“Ooo!
Good mornin' majesty! The suns out and the weather's nice. The babes
have been sleepin' soundly and the castle greets a new day” Midi
calls cheerfully as she entered my room. I turn around to face her
and give her a smile, “My, my someone's awfully chipper this
morning!” She bustles over to the closet to get my underthings, and
returns to me with a huge grin. “Why Midi, I don't think I've ever
seen you this happy!” I half giggle. “Aye majesty, I haven't
been. Today is a happy day indeed. I'm ta be a married woman! Cantor
proposed last night!” she beams in excitement. I gasp without
thinking, “Midi that's wonderful news! Though, I have to wonder if
this means you'll be leaving us?” She shakes her head fervently,
“No m'lady, I wouldn't dream of it.” I breathe a sigh of relief.
I've grown close to Midi, and couldn't imagine not having her around.
“That's so exciting! How did he do it?” I ask as she dresses me
and pulls my corset tight. “It was so romantic m'lady. He took me
down to the village pub for supper. I'm not gonna lie...there was a
bit of ale in him...quite a bit actually. He stood right up in his
chair halfway through our supper, and shouted out to the whole place.
I love this woman, that's why I'm fixin' ta marry her...if she'll
have me. Then he jumped down and kissed me right there in front of
all of 'em and put this ring on my finger when I said yes. Then all
them boys gave a holler and bought us a round” she beams with
pride. Thinking how Midi and I have different ideas of what romance
is I take a moment before replying, “Whoa that is
something. Definitely a memorable engagement. It's a smart match, and
I wish you two the best.”
A
knock at the door startles us as Midi puts the finishing touches on
my hair. “You may enter” I call, and Midi answers it. “Begging
your majesties pardon. A notice has arrived...if one can call it
that” the messenger guard informs. “It's Zane, right? What do you
mean if one can call it that?” I ask. Zane nods and holds out the
notice commenting, “See for yourself majesty.” The a note was
scrawled on a crumpled brown piece of parchment. Whoever wrote such a
note, was surely in a hurry. The notice read : “Trapped in Stone
Ridge. Please send help. -Shelly” Midi and I draw in our breath in
shock. “Oh my word, I must tell Cade at once!” I almost shout.
“I'll tell the king right away your highness” Zane tells me as he
bows. I nod frantically, and sink to the floor. “Oh Midi, just
think we were almost certain they were in Blue Haven, when all the
while they've been trapped in Stone Ridge!” I say staring off into
space. “Are you alright M'lady? Shall I fetch some water for you?”
Midi asks nervously. I pause before answering her, “No thank you
Midi. I think I will go check on the others, and let them know of
this news”
Downstairs
I find the girls arguing in the grand hall. Upon my entering the
room, Roonie turns towards me hastily, “Nora! Thank goodness you're
here. This bunch can't agree on something to save their life! They
can't decide where to search for Thatcher, Shelly and Juliana. I just
can't do with all of this back and forth.” “Don't worry Roonie, I
know how to settle this. Friends I have received a message from
Shelly, and I know where the guards should be sent. They're in Stone
Ridge” I reveal. They stare at me flabbergasted for a moment, then
all begin talking at once. “Does Cade know?” Tulip asks. “Have
the guards been sent?” Bonnie wonders. I put my hands up to get
them to quiet down for a moment, “A guard has been sent to inform
Cade. At this news he will immediately send out a team of guards. I'm
sure they'll be returned in no time, now that we know where they
are!” Thoughts race through my head as the girls give me a smile,
turning to one another happily talking of Shelly, Thatcher and
Juliana's return. Sure I didn't mention that the note was only from
Shelly, and there wasn't mention of her husband or child. Sure I
didn't mention the crazy vision of her and Lestat, but they all have
children to think of...I just can't give them anymore bad news.
Later
that day after Cade announces that a team will be sent to Stone Ridge
for the rescue and return of Shelly, Thatcher, and Juliana. He then
discusses plans of us traveling to Learia. “The people of Learia
need to be aware of the growing dangers of Carolin and Dragon Valley,
but also the elusive Madame Parfon. We need to help set up the
kingdoms people, if they are expected to thrive and help their fellow
neighbors in this inevitable battle” he explains. At this news the
maids are sent into a tizzy preparing for our travel, but Bonnie has
some apprehension about the journey. “Let's take a walk while the
maids rush about. Nanny will look after the children, so wipe that
look off your face Bonnie. I know you aren't keen on the idea of a
nanny but you will see, they are very helpful to have. Besides Nanny
Weslor is one of the most sought-after nannies in the realm!”
Roonie pipes. Bonnie rolls her eyes, but agrees to getting some fresh
air. “My children won't be spoiled...” only I hear her mumble
under her breath. I shake my head, and ask Tulip if she will join us
on our walk. “That sounds great, but would you all mind if we turn
it into a picnic? I'm sure I'll be starving halfway through” she
says with a giggle. We decide to round up our own things for the
picnic since almost everyone in the castle is busy preparing our
extended stay in Learia. Even Cookie is surprised when we enter the
kitchens unannounced. We're out of her hair quickly, and on our way
to the meadow in no time.
The
day is perfect for a walk, with a gentle breeze coming from the south
as we travel through the forest. Bonnie walks in silence, while I
listen to Tulip and Roonie going on about what to do first when we
arrive in Learia. The forest trees become more sparse until finally
we arrive at the meadow. It is beautiful with wildflowers by the
thousands. “Should we stop here or are you girls in for a bit of a
climb?” Tulip questions looking past the meadow at a small mountain
up ahead. “My goodness Tulip aren't you tired? You're full of
energy today” I exclaim. “What about the babies? Will they be
alright?” Roonie asks worriedly. Tulip smiles, nodding, “Of
course! It's just that it should be time for them to arrive and I am
trying to get things going!” Bonnie gives a scoff, and folds her
arms. “Now what?” Roonie frowns at her. “Well since you asked,
I think it's ridiculous that we aren't going with the guards to
rescue Shelly and them. Meanwhile we're supposed to be planning a
welcome home ball for you and Luke, dancing and carrying on like you
haven't a care in the world. Don't you think that's selfish?” she
blurts. Roonie looks absolutely mortified at this insult. Tulip and I
exchange looks as if we are both thinking we'd better keep out of it
for now. Roonie has always been a timid girl, and even though she and
Bonnie fight like cats and dogs, their friendship has been good for
the both of them. Bonnie has learned (for the most part) to hold her
tongue when necessary, and Roonie has gotten better about speaking up
when it counts.
“As
a matter of fact, I don't think it's selfish at all. True we will be
welcomed by our kingdom, true we will hold a celebration that Learia
is finally able to stand on its own once again after the terrible
attacks against it. That doesn't mean I don't care about Shelly and
the others. I care just as much as you do! What did you have in mind
Bonnie? A pregnant woman and two with small infants accompanying the
guards through the treacherous wilderness. There are other things we
can be doing, like setting up the school in Learia. Getting the men
to join the guards so we can put a stop to the evils of Dragon
Valley!” Roonie defends, her voice rising even higher than normal.
“This is exactly why I didn't want to be part of your little
princess clan; nannies for the kids, and servants left and right.
Spoiled brats is what your raising, ones who think a welcome ball is
more important than things happening with the kingdoms right now”
Bonnie snaps. “Ok that's enough out of you. I'm not a princess. I
have no kingdom of my own. I think it's wonderful that Nanny can look
after the children here and there. Everyone needs time for themselves
to rest and so on. Why are you being so ugly today Bonnie?” Tulip
interjects. Bonnie is ready with a comeback, and I try to tune her
out while I go deep in thought. Bonnie's words upset me, but I know
her and can't help wondering what's troubling her making her lash out
like this. The raised voices pull me out of my thoughts, and Bonnie's
words become clearer....”Even my own mother! She used to be a
caring person! One that would've gone right after Shelly the moment
she came up missing!” Tulip and Roonie's jaws fall open and they
look over at me in pure shock at Bonnie's words. I blink
absentmindedly before tears spill from my eyes. I open my mouth, but
the words fail me. I've been strong for so long now, with the
disappearances, babies, pregnancy news, and now this. It's all too
much for me. I turn and run as fast as my feet will carry me, towards
the mountain. “Oh dear, Nora! NORA COME BACK!” Roonie calls after
me. “Now you've done it! You're unbelievable Bonnie. Nora wait!”
I hear Tulip yell.
The
path I'm running along, grows steeper and the lush green grass turns
to a jagged rock, but still I climb. I can hear Tulip and Roonie
calling after me, they must have followed but I don't look back to
see. I was planning on going down the other side of the mountain
once I got to the top, but as I reach it I notice, it falls off into
a huge drop off. I plop down on the peak of the mountain and cry, and
feel arms come around me in an embrace, but keep my head down. Drying
my eyes I look up to see Roonie and Tulip hugging me tight. We break
out of our hug, and Roonie asks if I'm alright. “Those were some of
the most awful things I've ever heard from Bonnie. What in the world
has gotten into her? I know she doesn't mean those things” Tulip
soothes. “It's not just that girls. It's...nothing nevermind” I
try to explain. “No, it's ok Nora please tell us” Roonie
persuades. I give a heavy sigh, “I am overwhelmed. One of my best
friends has been missing for awhile and she and her family could be
in danger. Feeling sorry for myself over this baby stuff, and now
Bonnie exploding on all of us like that. I'm sorry for complaining
but it's just so hard to keep it all bottled up inside me all the
time.” “Oh, Nora don't apologize! No one can keep all of those
things buried inside, and they shouldn't have to” Tulips says
kindly. “Exactly! That's what friends are for Nora. We are here for
you always. Don't feel like you have to keep these things to
yourself” Roonie adds. “Thank you both” is all I can say. “I
guess Bonnie is still down there pouting” Roonie mentions. “She'll
be along when she's ready” Tulip says with a huff.
We
gaze over the cliff down to the valley below, taking in it's beauty.
“No way..Um, Nora have you and Cade recently had..uh special
time together in your chambers?”
Tulip oddly asks with a strange grin. I give her a frown and a
somewhat of a laugh, “Don't you think that's a little personal?”
Roonie looks bewildered why Tulip would ask such a question, and
looks back and forth at the pair of us. “Just answer the question,
I'll explain in a minute” Tulip replies. I bashfully give a nod,
“Yes last night as a matter of fact...dare I ask why?” Her face
beams with excitement and she takes Roonie and I by the hand, “C'mon!
Be careful!” She leads us quickly, but carefully down the edge of
the mountain. Navigating the rocky slope, the three of us carefully
descend. As we finally reach the bottom we comment on how beautiful
it is. Lush foliage surrounds a small pond, and a group of ducks
quack happily as they go for a swim. “How cute! What a beautiful
place! I can't believe we haven't ever traveled this way before”
Roonie comments. “Well it's a little difficult, I can see why we
haven't before” I say as I watch the mother duck plop into the
water. “Nevermind all of that! C'mere!” Tulip says eagerly. She
quickly waddles over cluster of bushes, and points to a single purple
flower growing underneath one of them. The flower looks rather mystic
as it has almost a glowing aura about it. “It looks like a lily”
Roonie says bending down to get a better look. Tulip almost screams,
“Don't you know what this is!? One of the most rare flowers in the
realm! The ancients said it was used for healing and fertility, but
no one has seen one for over 20 years so they couldn't test it.”
“Oh my gosh Nora!!!” Roonie lets out a squeal so high pitched
that only dogs would be able to hear. Afraid to let my hopes up, I
stand quietly staring at the flower.
“Nora?
Nora! Don't you know what this means? I saw the flower from the
mountainside, and thought it was the Pluthabrin flower. I had to check it
out. Legend says if you eat the flower shortly after you....well you
know...then you immensely increase the chance of becoming pregnant!”
Tulip says trying to jump up and down. “I don't know...I mean it's
just a legend, but I suppose I could try it. Are there any weird side
effects or anything?” I question. “Well I'm not entirely
sure...no human has ever been known to try it. It's magic might not
work at all. If you would like we can take the flower back to the
castle and I can read more about it” she offers. I agree, and she
tells me that we'll have to hurry. “We can't be sure how long the
magic will last after we pick it” she tells me. “What if we pick
it and the magic disappears before we even get up the mountain side?”
Roonie says worriedly, “I think you should eat it now just in
case.” Tulip puts her hands out, “Wait! We don't know the side
effects, what if she eats it and something terrible happens?” “I
could always leave the flower here and come back another time” I
offer. “And leave one of the most rare flowers in the realm to
chance? What if an animal eats it or something?” Tulip asks, “No
Nora, you must decide now.” I clap my hands over both my ears, the
decision is too hard to make. “I...I can't. Maybe it would just be
better to not have any more children. I could leave the flower here
and just go on with life” I tell them. “B-But, Brendlewood would
be left without an heir. What would become of your kingdom?” Roonie
gasps. “Suppose we hadn't come across the flower. I wouldn't have
been able to have any then...would you still feel the same way about
the kingdom?” I ask in an angry tone. “Oh Nora, that's not at all
what I meant. I just meant that you finally have a chance, no matter
how small, at an heir. Isn't that something you've been longing for?”
Roonie responds apologetically. “The choice is yours Nora, it's
your life. No one will judge you on your decision. No one has to know
except the three of us if you choose to just walk away” Tulip
comforts. Roonie nods in agreement and gives my hands a gentle
squeeze.
My
head swims with the three possibilities...One, I can eat it now and
have the chance to be pregnant. But there is no telling what horrible
side effects await me. Two, I can pick it and have Tulip analyze it
before eating it. But, there is a chance the magic could fade before
I am able to eat it. Or three, leave it and go on with life just how
it is. But, never have a chance to share a child with the man I love,
nor give him an heir. “How can I make this decision?” my mind
races. My mind is screaming so loudly that it seems like I really am
screaming out loud. Even Tulip and Roonie look around to see what the
noise is. Suddenly we realize it's not me at all. We see Bonnie
making her way down the mountainside, falling here and there, bumping
into large rocks and stones. “Oh my gosh!” Roonie gasps. We rush
to the base of the mountain and arrive just as Bonnie reaches the
bottom with a crash. She lays there motionless, her body bruised and
scraped. Blood trickles down her forehead, but her eyes remain
closed. “My dear Bonnie...” I breathe fearing the worst. Tulip
steps closer towards her, but Bonnie begins to stand up. “You...you
wretches. You tricked me into coming down here. You did this to me!
I'll kill you all for this! Your children will be fed to the lycans!”
Bonnie wails with a look in her eyes I've never seen before. She
laughs hysterically, and the veins under her skin begin turning black
and bulging toward her skins surface. Backing away quickly, Roonie,
Tulip and I exchange horrified looks. “Something is wrong with her”
Tulip whispers. I give Tulip a look as though to say, “Ya don't
say?!” and Roonie rolls her eyes. “What I mean to say is that I
need to give her an antidote of some kind, but way out here there
might not be much to work with” Tulip continues. “What's...wrong
with her?” Roonie manages to get out. Just then Bonnie lunges
towards us, her arms outstretched like some type of monster ready to
kill. “No time to explain. C'mon!” Tulip shouts grabbing my hand.
I in turn grab Roonie's hand and we hurry away from Bonnie. We dart
around tree's as she yells and claws at us violently, and soon poor
Tulip can no longer keep up. Her large pregnant belly slowing her
down, and tiring her completely. “No! Tulip you can't stop, you
must keep going. Surely there's somewhere to hide. Please!” I beg.
But, Bonnie jumps at us from behind a tree, and knocks Tulip to the
ground. She straddles her as Roonie and I try our best to pull her
off of Tulip. “Stop! Bonnie please! What are you doing?!” we
scream at her.
Suddenly,
all of Bonnie's hair flashes gray, then quickly back to its
glistening auburn. We're taken aback, but manage to pull her off of
Tulip. She falls to the ground convulsing and writhing helplessly. We
try to steady her but she continues to thrash about. “Bonnie!”
Roonie calls out fearfully. Suddenly Bonnie sits up, still struggling
but not as violently. “Help me! She's taking over...I can't...fight
her!” she manages to tell us before being flung back to the ground.
Her skin is now almost entirely taken over by black veins, and
finally she lies still. Roonie lunges towards her to check on her,
but Tulip grabs her by the arm and shakes her head. “Cirrus told me
about this...we need to get back to the castle immediately!” she
whispers to us. Bonnie slowly begins to rise, and the three of us
back up. She screams, holding her arms out to either side. “Um,
Tulip. How are we going to get past her?” I ask nervously. Roonie
whispers, “Let's run for the mountain side. Maybe we can beat her?”
I give my head a hard shake, “What about Tulip? She won't be able
to keep up.” “I'll be fine. You two make a run for it, and
distract her. I'll see if I can hide in those bushes and catch up”
she answers. “Be careful” I whisper.
With
that Roonie and I make a run for the mountainside, while Tulip sneaks
over to the nearby bushes. We bolt as fast as we can towards the
large rocks at the base. Bonnie takes off at record speed, running
closely after us. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Tulip duck into
some bushes. Roonie reaches the mountainside first and quickly begins
to scale the rocks. “Give me your hand!” she cries out from atop
a huge boulder. I stretch my hand out as far as I can. Roonie's
finger tips are touching mine, but I can't quite reach.
“Just..a...little...further” I plead. She lays down on her belly,
and scoots her body to the far edge of the rock. Just as our hands
lock together, she slides off the boulder and comes crashing down to
where I am. Her head hits a nearby rock and she lies completely
still. As she lands she pulls me down to the ground just as Bonnie
closes in on us. “Oh my gosh! Roonie, wake up! Roonie!” I say as
I try to rouse her. My attention turns to Bonnie who is just a few
steps from me, and I try to find my footing. “Bonnie! Please stop!
What's wrong? We can help you!” I cry as I stand up. She gives a
laugh, a sick laugh, one that I've never heard come from Bonnie
before. “Stupid girl. Don't you even recognize me?” she says
smugly before grabbing my arm. I cower in pain as she twists it
forcefully. “Well...ANSWER ME!” she shrieks bending my arm
harder. A rock comes flying from the bushes a few feet away, and I
can only assume it's Tulip trying to divert Bonnie's attention from
me. It goes unnoticed by Bonnie and she bends my arm still further.
“You're Bonnie! You're Bonnie!” I wail in pain. “WRONG!” she
says through gritted teeth. With a swift motion she grabs my arm with
her other hand and snaps my forearm. I fall to the ground writhing in
pain, screaming loudly as pain shoots through my entire arm. Another
rock comes flying towards us, this time nailing Bonnie right in the
back of the head. “AGH!! What the hell!?” she clutches her head
and spins around to see what hit her. Still moaning in pain I call
out, “NO! TULIP!” My body is still pulsing in pain, but I try to
get to my feet again, and get to where Tulip is hiding. As Bonnie
approaches her, Tulip emerges from the bushes and begins trying all
sorts of enchantments to stop Bonnie, but none seem to be working.
“Bring it on blondie. You couldn't stop me before, and you won't
stop me now!” Bonnie yells at her. “You're fighting a losing
battle Parfon! You'll never be Queen of the Realm” Tulip retorts as
she sends a flash of green flying towards Bonnie. “You little
devil. You'll pay for that!” Bonnie screeches, and with a final
blast, sends Tulip backwards where she slumps over. I gasp in horror,
and try to grab Bonnie by the throat, but she pushes me down and
glares at me. “Oh...your majesty I
didn't see you there” she laughs. “What have you done to
Bonnie!?” I shout clutching my arm. “Hehe. Don't worry she's
still in here. Being given an array of tortures. I'm sure she's
enjoying the show we're putting on for her. It will haunt her for
years. I decided to over take her just as you began your walk. I
thought it would be a fun little treat for you girls. I wanted to
repay the kindness I was shown while IMPRISONED IN YOUR CASTLE!”
she fumes.
This
horrible witch has caused so many problems for us, as though it
wasn't enough that we have Caroline to deal with, and that wretch
Kristen who killed our beloved Cirrus. I know there is no way to get
out of this playing the force card, so I try something out of the
ordinary. “Parfon, please listen. It was never my intention for
things to become like this. In fact, when Bonnie took me to you a few
years ago all I wanted was help” I tried to explain. “Don't you
understand that it is my dream, my ultimate desire to be Queen of the
Realm? All those idiots who teased me when I was young would see the
power I hold, and fall under my rule!” she laughs at the thought.
“I once heard of a witch that liked to help those in need...I think
that is much more powerful than hurting people to get to the top. I
wonder if that witch stills exists?” I try to sooth her. Suddenly
she bursts into tears and covers her face with her hands. Awkwardly I
manage to say, “There, there Parfon.” A large breath leaves
Bonnie's lips and she falls to the ground lifeless. From the
smokey-like breath Parfon emerges, still crying. “I did want to
help people. I loved seeing how happy it made them....” she
sniffles. I glance at Bonnie, who lies still on the lush grass. I
want to run to her, but I'm afraid Parfon will just jump back inside
her. Parfon wipes her eyes abruptly and frowns angrily, “What is
this!? Ugh! This stupid spell is making me all weak and weepy!”
“Tulip must have cast a spell on her that softened her heart” I
think to myself. Off in the distance I can hear Tulip screaming, but
I can't just leave Bonnie to the fate of Parfon again. Parfon takes a
step towards Bonnie to take hold of her again, but suddenly stops.
She looks stunned, like she is trying to catch her breath, then blood
pours from her mouth and she falls to the ground. A very frightened
Roonie stands behind her, completely shaking with fear. In the back
of Parfons neck is a thick piece of wood. She looks at me, then at
Bonnie and her eyes grow even wider in shock. “Bonnie! Bonnie, can
you hear me?” I call to her as Roonie and I both rush to her side.
Roonie is totally unable to speak and tears begin falling from her
eyes. “BONNIE! BONNIE ANSWER ME!” I beg. Tears sting my eyes as
they spill down my cheeks onto her arms and face. I reach for Roonie
with my uninjured arm to comfort her. She doesn't make a sound but
her shoulders shake violently from her crying. “Ugggggh! That evil
bitch....” Bonnie says out of nowhere. She places a hand to her
forehead, and sits up slowly. Roonie flings herself at Bonnie,
wrapping her arms around her tightly. I give a cheer of joy and try
to hug her as best as I can with only one working arm. The three of
us embrace there for a moment before I remember poor Tulip, “Oh
gosh! Tulip!” The three of us rise, and I lead us to where Tulip
fell into the bushes earlier.
“Tulip?
Where are you?” Bonnie calls out as we search the bushes. We hear
her call to us, and we quickly move towards the sound of her voice.
Finally we find her, hidden in the brush. Her petite coat has been
ripped off from under her skirts, and she is leaned against a tall
oak tree holding two very small babies. They coo and wiggle in their
petite coat swaddle, and we gasp at the sight of them. “Bonnie...is
that you?” Tulip carefully asks, as Bonnie takes a seat next to
her, clearly exhausted from being under Parfon's spell. I give Tulip
a quick recap of what happened and she smiles from ear to ear. I
frown at her in confusion, but she speaks before I can. “Roonie!
I'm so proud of you! You remembered about the Satchroot!” Tulip
brags to Roonie. She then turns to Bonnie and I continuing, “Awhile
ago Roonie was trying to learn some things about becoming an
enchantress and Satchroot was something we studied! It is a very
sharp, jagged root that has a venom-like poison in it. While we still
aren't sure if it will kill a witch, we know that it will at least
act like a tranquilizer of sorts.” “So you mean that horrible
woman could still be alive?” I ask fearfully. “Well with what
you're telling me, it doesn't sound like it. But, we can't be too
careful. Roonie if I give you the name of some items, do you think
you can find them around here?” Tulip asks. “Hold on one minute.
Don't you have some explaining to do?” Bonnie says as she looks at
the little ones in Tulips arms. She almost laughs and answers, “Yes,
Parfon did a number on me. The labor came unexpectedly, but these
little ones had a powerful spell on them that Cirrus taught me awhile
back. They were unharmed, and I'd like you to meet them!” she tells
us. We give little sighs, clutching our hearts, and in chorus say,
“aww!” “Jax and I agreed on names awhile ago, so I can
introduce you properly now. This is my sweet little girl, Tawni
Juliep Debois. And, here is my strong son, Tarrow Josiah Debois.”
“Tawni and Tarrow! What beautiful names!” I complement with a
wince at my arm. “Heavens Nora! Your arm! Roonie, will you see if
you can fetch some Milkweed, Sparrow seeds, and Gumleaf? There should
be some around here. That will at least stop the pain in your arm
Nora, and once we get back to the castle I surely can find a spell to
heal it.” Roonie nods as she takes off to find the items, and I
thank her. Bonnie, apparently getting her strength back, volunteers
to go with her and follows after her quickly.
While
we are waiting I fawn over the babies, and ask Tulip about Roonie's
sudden quietness. “Roonie is a soft-hearted person, in some ways
she is almost childlike in her naive tendencies. She's becoming a
stronger person and she has grown a lot. But, she's still the
youngest of us and I think she's gone into a sort of shock after
possibly killing Parfon in such violent way. It will pass I'm sure”
she comforts me. When the two of them return they each take a baby
while Tulip mixes up some nasty looking concoction for me to drink. I
eye it suspiciously, but Tulip reassures me it will help ease the
pain until she can fix it. I gulp it down quickly, and wrinkle my
nose at the flavor. “Blegh!” I cough, sticking out my tongue. “Oh
c'mon it's not that bad” Tulip kids. Instantly I can feel the pain
of my arm melting away. I wouldn't even know it's broken unless I
look at it.
“Have
you made your decision about the flower?” she asks. Thinking about
what just happened with Parfon, I think I have made my decision, and
slowly give Tulip a nod. “Wait what flower?” Bonnie inquires as
she looks back and forth between us. “Well, when we were arguing,
the three of us climbed up the hill and Tulip saw this flower...one
with healing powers” I explain. Tulip catches her up on our prior
conversation, and when she finishes Bonnie turns to me. She wears a
solemn expression, and takes my uninjured hand in hers. “Oh Mom,
I'm so very sorry I've done this to you. I never want to hurt you. I
never want to hurt any of you! I'm so sorry everyone” she says
apologetically. I shake my head at her, “Dearest Bonnie, I know
that! It wasn't you that did it. Please try not to blame yourself. Ok
hun?” I comfort her. She looks down but gives a slight nod. Then
something happened that very rarely happens indeed, Bonnie was
crying. Looking back up with tears streaming down her cheeks she
looks into my eyes, “I just feel so bad about all of this. For how
you were all treated. Roonie won't even talk! Mother, please take the
flower. You don't have to eat it here if you don't want to but don't
just leave it. You deserve a chance to have something you've wanted
for a long time. I think you should take it back to the castle and
let Tulip analyze it. If it's meant to be, the magic will last. Take
a chance.” We all sit quietly for a few moments, with just the
birds singing in the trees above us, and the gentle breathing of the
now sleeping babies. “Ok” I finally whisper, “Let's get the
flower.”
“Oh
good! It's still here” Tulip smiles when we reach the flower once
again. “I've decided...I'm going to taste it” I tell her. “Taste
it? Like just take a bite?” she asks in a confused manner. “I
think it would be a good idea. If it does well then I can eat the
whole thing. If it doesn't, then the symptoms won't be too horrible,
don't you think?” I answer. “That's a great plan! Should it be
harmful, surely one bite wouldn't be catastrophic!” Bonnie adds
excitedly. Roonie nods eagerly as well, and bends down to pick the
flower. “No Roonie! She must pick it herself” Tulip says quickly
to stop her. She retracts her hand as I crouch down to the flower.
The glowing flower looks like something of pure magic, the colors
vivid and radiantly shining. As my fingertips touch the stem I can
tell this flower holds a great power, and I carefully pluck it from
the ground. As I bring one of the petals closer to my mouth a
tingling begins in my lips, and I hesitate. Without another moment to
change my mind, I take a bite from one of the petals. Instantly a
fire like sensation shoots through my veins, and I gasp for air as I
collapse to the ground.
I
hear nothing. I see nothing. For what seems like several minutes I
remain in quiet darkness. Then comes a light in the far distance, a
faint purple light that seemingly grows brighter and nearer. It seems
to beckon me towards it as flashes of joyous images fill my sight. A
happy tune fills my ears, and I feel as though I am weightlessly
dancing. The glowing light grows nearer still, and suddenly I feel as
though I have been lit on fire. I cry out in pain, but Tulip and
Bonnie's voices reach my ears. I am being shaken now, their voices
becoming clearer and clearer. “Open your eyes Nora! Nora, please!”
Tulip cries. “Mother! Mother you must wake up! WAKE UP!!”
Bonnie's voice calls out. Slowly I open my eyes and see Roonie
shaking me forcefully. A very worried looking Tulip and Bonnie are
kneeled beside me each holding a baby. “Wha- What happened?” I
ask as I try to sit up. “Oh Mom it was awful!” Bonnie says
flinging her free arm around me. “Needless to say the flower is
potent to you. You were just lying there screaming, then you fell
silent, and we thought we had lost you! Our only hope is that I can
find some way to mix it with something when we return to the castle”
Tulip explains. “Well let's go. There's no use sticking around
here. Besides we need to get back and have the doctor give those
babies a check up” I tell them. Carefully we head to the side of
the mountain once again. “What a sight we must be!” I think to
myself as we reach the opening where Roonie stabbed Parfon. “Um,
ladies...Where did Parfon's body go?” Bonnie worriedly says looking
at the spot where we left her. Tulip closes her eyes and frowns in an
irritated fashion. With a heavy sigh she says, “I was afraid of
this. I think Parfon may have had a protection spell on her against
things like this. Don't worry about her for now. I know she's
dangerous, but we've got to get back to the castle. Everyone will be
getting worried, and we need to get the children settled.” “I
just don't understand..I saw blood spill from her mouth. She got
stabbed in the back of the neck for goodness sake!” I argue. “Yes,
yes I know that. But, if she had some charm or spell protecting her,
then she would only appear dead for a length of time. Some spells
have regeneration abilities too, so she could have appeared dead for
minutes or even hours, then just get up and walk away” Tulip
explains. “Well that's just peachy! How the heck are you supposed
to kill someone that can regenerate?!” Bonnie fumes. “Trust me,
there are ways. You just have to have the right spell” Tulip
answers quickly. “Ok, let's talk about it more at the castle. It's
making me nervous out here, and I really wanna get my arm healed up”
I coax the girls. Roonie starts up first and the rest of us follow,
each of us dreading the climb.
After
two hours, the lot of us reach the castle entrance. We are all
covered in sweat, mud and blood with hair disheveled and two crying
infants. The guards and maids are still scurrying about getting our
things ready for our travel to Learia, but rush over at the sight of
us. Soon they have us bathed, and our wounds attended to. “I'm glad
the children are getting some rest. My poor dears, what a way to come
into the world” Tulip tells me as she drags me into the enchantment
room to heal my arm. “Don't worry Tulip, they'll be stronger for
it! The doctor said they are in perfect health. What will the men
think of all this craziness?” I ask. Tulip laughs, “I can't speak
for the others, but Jax will wonder what in the world I was thinking!
Now, lay your arm up here on this table.” My arm looks awful,
covered in blood and bruises. I can't feel any pain but my arm lays
on the table bent this way, and that. “My goodness...are you sure
you can fix this?” I ask Tulip nervously. She nods as she mixes up
a kind of goo and smears it on my arm. “There, give that a few
minutes to soak in. While we are waiting you can drink this bone
enhancer potion. This stuff is great for strengthening bones, plus it
tastes like blueberries!” Tulip explains. I guzzle it down with a
smile, “Whoa it really does taste like blueberries!” “Yes! It's
nice because there aren't any side effects other than your arm
feeling numb until it's finished. Oh yea, while you were getting
bathed I did some reading on the Pluthabrin flower and humans. Turns out
it's a really simple fix! I just need to boil it, and mix a few
things together! Then presto!” She exclaims excitedly. Still trying
not to get my hopes up too much I just give her a smile. “Oh Nora,
I know you must be exhausted. Don't worry, I'll get the flower
settled, and you can drink it before you rest. That way when you wake
up, you'll be nice and refreshed” she tells me.
