Chapter 7: Fighting Magic

"I tried Clover, I really did. But I just can't. Be safe."

With that Sofia ran off down the hall, slid down the staircase, and out into the courtyard. He amulet was glowing as if on fire, but Sofia was running as if her life depended on it. Desmond was already gone. Sofia could see his flying coach vanishing off into the sunset. She never stopped running and hung a sharp left turn toward the stables. Frantically she put the reigns on Minimus, who was in a state of shock from it all.

"Minimus, I need you now more than ever. Please help me. Please."

Minimus looked on the tear-stained face of his Princess and nuzzled her shoulder. "Um, okay, anything for you Sofia, I guess. Here we go!"

They took off like a shot after Desmond's flying coach. Minimus was a trained racing horse, and was able to catch the coach with ease. Sofia maneuvered Minimus parallel to Desmond's carriage, and the Prince nearly jumped out of his seat when he saw her flying next to him.

Sofia began to shout at him, "Take me with you Desmond, PLEASE! Take me now, I can't wait until morning. NOW please.."

He looked at her with a very strange expression, but it quickly turned to happiness, "Okay!"

Sofia looked back, but only briefly, and saw two tiny dots standing in the courtyard. One appeared to be frantically running in circles. She couldn't tell who they were, but then it suddenly struck her, "Mom, DAD! I forgot to tell them!"

Desmond looked shocked, "Wait, you didn't tell your parents you were coming with me? Where were you then?"

Sofia couldn't tell him she was having her heart ripped out and stomped on, "Oh I was… packing." She sheepishly pointed to the suitcase lying in between her and Minimus's mane. It had clothing and the end of a tiara sticking out the side.

Desmond started to chuckle, "Oh Sofia you're too much. I'll have my servants pack you a fitting travel case tonight. Oh! and everyone knows I meant to invite you on the trip, I wouldn't have asked unless your father had already given his permission."

Sofia smiled at him. Desmond was so smart and always prepared. Truthfully any kindness right now went a long way. "Thank you Desmond." She rode Minimus alongside Desmond's coach the rest of the way, trying to forget the events of the day. Yes, Princess Anna had appeared to her and given her advice. She had ignored it. She had never ignored a princess's advice before. But, Sofia was now one of them, being whisked away to help others. Sofia was flawed, Sofia's judgment wasn't always the best, so who's to say these other princesses knew exactly what would happen or always knew what was right. The image of Cedric kissing Lily was seared into her brain, and Sofia buried her face into Minimus's mane for the rest of the flight, trying to expunge the image.

She set off with Desmond's family early the next morning on the royal family's luxury yacht. They were a pleasant sort of people, but not incredibly interesting. Sofia spent the first few days as a huddled mass in her quarters, something that did not escape Desmond's notice. He tried to cheer her up by making frequent stops along the shoreline, assuming that seasickness was to blame. It did little to ease her mood, but she did appreciate him trying. She explored the yacht to distract her mind. It had a little of everything. A kitchen, stargazing deck, a stable where Minimus was housed, and even a library. It reminded her more than a little of her family's floating palace. They passed out of Desmond's kingdom and around the tiny part of Enchancia that bordered this sea. This tiny piece of land was home to the only port city in Enchancia, and held special significance for the distraught princess. She stood there leaning along the railing of the yacht as Desmond approached her from the side.

"Hey Sofia, what are you staring at?"

Startled, Sofia jumped back a bit. "Oh hi Desmond, I was just looking at the port city. You know I was born there."

Desmond couldn't believe she'd opened up to him like that, and a large grin broke out on his face. "We can stop here if you'd like Princess!"

Pained, Sofia turned back toward the harbor. Desmond noticed the change in her mood, and became somber as well. "That's a very sweet offer Desmond, but this port holds some very bad history for me."

Desmond was thoroughly confused, "I don't understand Sofia. The only history I know about this city is that it is believed to be the place where Enchancia was founded. I think there is a stone placard near the cliff that juts out there for where the wizard war was ended by a great and powerful mage."

Oh, book-smart Desmond. "No Desmond, I mean me personally. My parents came from merchant families, my mom from Galdiz and my dad from Friezenburg. They met here in this city, and fell in love. They lived here when I was born, and were very happy. When I was a toddler we were friends with another woman who lived down the street who also had a little girl. One day they came over to visit and when my mom went to the market to buy groceries for dinner a monster attacked our home. It burned my house to the ground. My Dad, as well as my friend and her mother were burned to death. My Dad saved my life by shielding me from the heat, but it forever changed my Mom. She couldn't take living in the city with all the memories, and so we moved to Dunwitty to get away."

Desmond stood there speechless. Sofia could see the horror in his face and immediately regretted opening up to him, "Don't worry Desmond it was a long time ago and I'm fine now. I just don't want to go ashore, okay?"

He nodded furiously and excused himself, leaving Sofia alone with her memories.

Next they sailed around Corinthia. Sofia thought of Cleo as they passed the gentle rolling hills dotted with structures held up by great pillars carved from marble, they had become good friends over the years. Next was Gallilee, a heavily forested country. She knew none of the royal family there. Sofia was admiring the wooded shoreline when Desmond approached.

"Good morning Princess."

She turned to notice Desmond standing there, "Oh, good morning Desmond."

"Did you see something interesting?"

Turning back toward the shoreline Sofia casually remarked on its beauty. "It's just beautiful today and the forest looks really amazing in the morning."

Desmond started to fidget. He looked internally conflicted. "Well, uh, maybe we should go see what's there?"

Sofia was shocked. Desmond was timid about new things and new places. Stopping unexpectedly in his home kingdom was one thing, but he had never been to Gallilee either. Who knows what lurked in the forest?

"It's okay Desmond, we'll stop somewhere further down the coastline like we planned. Who knows what out there, right?"

She saw him breathe a huge sigh of relief. It was cute to see him push outside his comfort zone for her.

"The next stop is tomorrow in Rudistan."

Sofia stared off into the distance. Greylock…

That night Sofia woke with a shot, springing up in bed. Sweat was dripping from her skin, her breathing was heavy and rapid.

"Another dream."

This time the pitch black was broken by five bursts of light.

"Five o'clock today."

This dream was far worse than the others. She appeared in a cold, dark forest. The landscape was dead, shriveled from lack of water. Again everything moved in slow motion. A girl, perhaps 10 years old with black hair and tan skin was wearing a brown dress that had been extensively torn. She was bleeding to death, lying in the dirt, and was surrounded by 5 wolves. They were closing in on her. They were going to kill her.

Sofia knew no spells that could repel the wolves. Cedric had never taught her fighting spells. He had stubbornly refused to do so. She could hear Cedric's voice in her head, "Why should a princess need fighting spells! That's what knights and royal sorcerers were for."…. So much for that logic Cedric. She knew dozens of healing spells, so she could heal the girl without worry, but how was she ever to fend off the wolves. She could maybe intimidate one wolf, but 5? There was no way. This girl would die unless Sofia came up with a plan.

After breakfast the yacht docked at the port of Rudistan. Sofia needed a sorcerer's help, and there was only one sorcerer in Rudistan she knew.

Sofia walked up to Desmond, who was looking nervously at the little port town. "Hi Desmond, let's go ashore together, okay!" Sofia's newfound positive attitude was all the encouragement Desmond needed, "Uh sure Sofia. Do you want to explore the town?"

"Desmond I was thinking we could maybe stop by the royal palace and visit the king."

Desmond looked a bit stunned, "Okay Sofia. If you'd like. "

Perfect.

They took a carriage through the town and up the winding road to the Royal palace. The landscape was dotted with tall mountains made of rugged stone with a few rough trees clinging to life on their sides.

Along the way Sofia thought about the dream again. She would need to defeat the wolves first, then heal the girl. There had been a large gash on the girl's leg that would need healing first with the 'helachelete' spell. Definitely. It was an advanced healing spell, but Sofia excelled at healing. Then she could cast an overall tissue regeneration spell to heal the cuts and bruises. She had fancied herself a future as a sorceress healer until her world fell apart a couple weeks ago. But what about the wolves… She looked over at Desmond who was having a minor fit at the proximity between the coach and a particularly steep cliff. Sofia hadn't even noticed.

"Desmond, are you okay?"

He looked back at her, pale and nervous. "Oh y-yes Sofia. It's just so far.. down." With that he crouched so only his eyes peered over the side of the carriage, looking back over at the cliff's edge.

He really had no sense of adventure. She needed to distract him, and he was very learned, being the top student in every subject at royal prep. Except sorcery, Sofia had claimed that title long ago.

"Desmond, do you know anything about wolves?"

Desmond looked back at her, still extremely pale and took a deep swallow. "Yes I do Sofia. What do you want to know?"

"I was wondering if there is anything wolves are afraid of."

"That is a very random question.." Just then Desmond whipped his head around, fear plastered on his face. "DID YOU SEE WOLVES SOFIA!"

Sofia couldn't help it, she burst out laughing in Desmond's face. "Oh Desmond really! We are in a coach on our way to a palace. I think we'll be fine."

Desmond relaxed a tiny bit, and sunk back into his seat as if embarrassed.

"Sorry Desmond, I was just curious about wolves. Can you tell me about them, please?"

Desmond sighed, "Well they typically avoid humans if they can help it. They aren't particularly fond of smoke or fire either."

Smoke and fire. That was definitely useful. Fire spells could be tricky though, especially in a dry forest. If Sofia wasn't careful she could burn the whole forest down. That would be bad.

"Are they afraid of anything else?"

"They are like most other pack hunters. They will try to pick off prey they think is weak or injured, so they try to avoid other animals that look scary or big to them."

Excellent, except Sofia had no idea how to turn herself into a big scary creature. They rounded another corner and the Royal palace of Rudistan came into view. It truly was a sight to behold. Sofia was glad they came, independent of her excitement at seeing Greylock and her nervousness about the impending wolf fight later that day.

Desmond and Sofia announced their presence to the castle steward and immediately fanfare was lavished on them. King Magnus was always one for pomp and circumstance, and entertaining visiting royals was a particular delight for him.

"Princess Sofia, Prince Desmond, welcome to Rudistan. How do you like my castle, isn't it the most impressive architectural masterpiece you have ever seen."

"Why yes your Majesty" Sofia stated. King Magnus swelled with pride, raising his head and strutting as he showed them through the great hall and into one of his many treasure rooms.

"Your Majesty, I'd like to see your Royal Sorcerer Greylock while we are here. Can you show me to his workshop?" Sofia smiled brightly at King Magnus.

"Why of course my dear, but he doesn't have a workshop."

Sofia frowned, "Then where does he practice spells."

King Magnus roared in laughter. "Young princess MY royal Sorcerer has his own manor on the castle grounds."

"Wow King Magnus, that's really… impressive." Sofia had trouble getting the words out. She wanted to flatter him just enough to get unfettered access to Greylock. It seemed to work. King Magnus led them outside to the grounds, and there before them rose a stately manor, similarly themed in architecture to the castle.

King Magnus walked them up to the front door and pounded loudly. "Hello Greylock, you in there?" He bellowed.

A series of loud crashes could be heard inside and the sound of fast moving footsteps was heard approaching the opposite side of the door. The large door flung open and Greylock stood on the other side of the entranceway, breathing heavily. 'Hello Sire, what brings you here today—" Greylock then noticed Sofia and Desmond standing there. "Oh Hello Princess Sofia! I'm so glad to see you and you're… companion. Who are you again?"

Sofia turned to Desmond and smiled, "Hello Greylock, this is Prince Desmond." Sofia needed Greylock's help. Desmond and King Magnus needed to go. "Oh King Magnus, I remember you telling Dad once that you had the most impressive collection of ancient books in your massive library. Would you mind showing Desmond? He loves books."

Desmond looked instantly happy, and King Magnus seemed equally delighted to oblige. King Magnus turned to Desmond, "Well come on lad, I'll show you the most spectacular library you've ever seen."

Desmond turned to Sofia, "Are you coming?"

Sofia shook her head no, "If you don't mind I'd like to stay and chat with Greylock for a bit."

With that, Desmond nodded, then scurried after King Magnus who was strutting away at breakneck speed and talking about all the books he had collected over the years.

Sofia let out a sigh of relief. A sly smile broke out across Greylocks face and he leaned up against the side of the doorjamb. "Well well Princess, if you wanted me alone all you had to do was ask. I could have come to Enchancia."

What? Sofia looked him straight in the eyes. "Greylock, I need your help. You're the only one who can help me. Please."

His jovial demeanor melted away and concern set in. "Come inside Sofia and tell me what's wrong."

She entered his home and was immediately taken aback by how massive, light and airy it all was. "Wow, this place is amazing Greylock."

He smiled at her, "Why yes I enjoy it lots. Now about this help you need."

Yes that's right, Sofia was running out of time. It was almost 4 o'clock already.

"Greylock, I need to learn how to fight. With magic. Don't tell me that I'm too young, or that I can't manage, or that I'm a princess so I shouldn't ever need to learn those types of spells. I'm telling you that I need to learn a fighting spell, and I need your help to do it."

Greylock just stared at her. "Let me guess, Cedric said no way." Sofia nodded in affirmation. "Well then, I bet it would vex him proper if I taught you a couple." With that the giant smile returned to Greylocks' face, and Sofia couldn't help but smile back.

Greylock showed her some basic fighting stances, and wand flicks.

"No no! You're twisting the wand too much Sofia, it's like all you ever do is healing spells." Greylock chided.

Sofia retorted, "That was what Cedric preferred to teach me."

"I see. Well, instead of that twisting motion you need to snap the wrist upward, got it?" Sofia mimicked his movements exactly. "Yes, that's it! My you're quite good at this. How is old Cedric anyway, I haven't seen or heard from him since the solstice."

Sofia stopped practicing the wand flicks, her head sunk low. "He's been busy. With his new apprentice. She loves him you know."

Greylock practically fell over but managed to grab himself on the nearest table. "You've got to be kidding me Sofia. He's only got eyes for—" He stopped short of whatever he had started to say. "Who wanted to be Cedric's apprentice?"

Sofia paused for far too long, but finally spoke in a quiet voice. "Lily. The Undefeated." She looked up at Greylock and fought back the tears she felt welling up behind her eyes. Greylock looked shocked beyond belief.

"That's not good Sofia, she's not a good person and Cedric is so conflicted." No sooner had Greylock spoken than he flung his hand over his mouth as if to shove the words back inside.

"What do you mean conflicted Greylock?"

"Nevermind Sofia. You need to tell him that she's no good for him. She was impressed by the magic he demonstrated at the summer solstice and probably thinks she can exploit him to get ahead, but you and I both know that's not who Cedric is."

Sofia nodded but couldn't hold back the tears, "I tried" she sobbed, "I tried talking to him about her but he just shut me out and—" Sofia flung her hands up to cover her weeping face.

"Sofia, why are you crying? Did he yell at you?"

"Kind of, but I was yelling at him. I was just so upset, he wouldn't listen to anything I was saying, and it got so out of hand. I said horrible things to him, Greylock, horrible things. And he—"

Greylock pulled out two chairs, directing Sofia to the nearest one."

"What did he do Sofia?"

"He rejected me." Greylock looked confused. Sofia took a deep breath, "He doesn't want me to be his apprentice anymore, he said I should grow up and that I was very young and very royal."

"Sofia, I doubt very much that is what he meant-"

"IT'S TRUE! I'm not good enough for him. Not anymore." And with that Sofia broke down into the same weeping mass she'd been on her bedroom floor over a week ago. Greylock reached over and wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

"Sofia, you are a very talented sorceress. Why, I've never seen someone without formal training do the things you do. You're beautiful, kind and impressive. Cedric knows all this Sofia, and Cedric is easily intimidated."

Greylocks' words were kind and sincere, it eased a little of the raw pain Sofia was trapping deep inside that had so raucously broken forth. Greylock's conciliatory tone slowly vanished and he leaned in to whisper to Sofia. "Why do you need to know fighting spells Sofia? Please tell me you don't plan to challenge Lily."

"No, I don't want to fight her… wait, you can do that?" Sofia turned her head upward to look at Greylock, who looked like a cornered animal.

"Well, it's not a good idea to fight a sorceress, even if it is for the right reasons. So why do you need to fight Sofia?"

Sofia shook her head, "I'm sorry Greylock but I can't tell you everything." He frowned, and she realized she needed to tell him enough to get the spells out of him. She sighed deeply, "there are times when I'm all alone and I need to defend myself. Sometimes I have dreams that come true, and I know that very soon I will be alone and need to fight some wolves. Very soon. So please Greylock, please help me."

That seemed to be enough information, he shot up out of his chair and raced over to a bookcase pushed up against the far wall. Leafing over the spines, his hand finally rested on a large brown book. He pulled it from the shelf and came back to where Sofia was seated.

"Here Sofia. I'll teach you a spell from this book. It will kill the wolves."

"NO! I can't kill them, I don't even know why they were attacking the girl!"

Greylock narrowed his eyes at her. "What aren't you telling me?"

Sofia took another deep breath, "In my dream a girl was lying on the ground, bleeding and there were 5 wolves surrounding her. I need to save the girl but I don't want to kill. Anything."

Greylock seemed to nod in understanding. He opened the book and thumbed through the pages, stopping at one with yellow stains. "Okay then, this one. When you point your wand at the wolf it will create a swirling wind tunnel that will blow them backward 50 feet. It should be enough to discourage any further confrontation, without killing the wolves."

He taught her the spell, and they went outside to practice it. It took a couple tries, but Sofia had it down in under 10 minutes. When she launched the chair backward into the garden hedge he jumped up and down in excitement. "That was amazing Sofia! Such confidence, you are a force to be reckoned with."

"Thanks."

Suddenly the castle clock struck 5. Sofia looked up at Greylock and shouted, "I'll be OKAY!" She watched the horror in his eyes as the twinkling light wrapped around her and she was transported into the pitch-blackness.

Composure. This was it. She needed to save the girl. That girl was counting on her. She raised her wand… 3…2…1….