CHAPTER 9

"Mr. Cedric?"

"Yes, Sofia?"

"Why did you make it sound like the amulet was merely placed on the wooden table?"

"I was being cautious, Princess. When you told me how Slickwell got control over your amulet, I realized that any negative impacts would have been imparted to the tree stump. So playing it safe, I wanted to make sure that the same would hold true with the wooden table."

"So, what do we do with the wooden table?" Sofia asked.

"Nothing! I'll just make it disappear!" which he did with a wave of his wand.

Then Queen Miranda noticed Cedric's outfit.

"Cedric?" asked the Queen, "YOU were the brave stranger that saved Sofia in the village?"

Cedric knew now was the time to tell all.

"Yes, Your Majesty! It was me."

Roland was puzzled. "Why didn't you tell us? We were looking for a floppy hatted stranger for a while!"

"Because I didn't think you'd believe me, sire. After the Medusa stone plot, and even with me stopping Grimtrix, I knew the only reason you gave me a second chance was because of Princess Sofia, along with the rest of the royal family. But your heart wasn't in it, so I really didn't think you'd have believed me," said Cedric quietly.

Roland thought for a few minutes. Cedric was right. Even if he showed himself to be the floppy hatted man, he wouldn't have believed him.

"Cedric, I am sorry! You are correct. But you have proven yourself beyond any doubt with your actions today. Will you forgive me?" said Roland, as he extended a hand in friendship.

"Sire, you forgave me for a most egregious act before and gave me a second chance! How can I refuse you?" said Cedric as he grasped the King's hand in friendship.

"Thank you, Cedric!"

"But, Cedric, why the disguise?" stated James.

"Well, Prince James. I use this outfit every time I go to town or to Blackberry, where I was returning from when I met Princess Sofia, to buy ingredients for my potions."

"But, no one can recognize you in that outfit!" stated Amber.

"That's the whole reason for it, Princess Amber. You see, even though the Royal Family gave me a second chance, and I have not made any magical mistakes, the villagers still remember the old me. I got tired of hearing the loud whispers of "Cedric the Cipher" or "He's the most incompetent sorcerer ever!", so I shop in disguise, and I don't hear the remarks any more."

"Well, we will change that next weekend!" exclaimed Roland.

"Baileywick?"

"Yes, sire."

"I want you to arrange a party celebrating 'Cedric the Sensational' for next weekend. Invite all of the villagers as well as the other Royal Families! I want everyone to know what a fine sorcerer we have here in Enchancia!"

"Yes, sire," and Baileywick scurried off to start the plans.

"But sire, that isn't necessary! Everyone in the Royal Family as well as in the castle supports me now. No need for a big to-do!"

"I disagree, Cedric! I want to make sure that you NEVER have to travel in disguise again!"

/

The celebration went off as planned. Many of the attendees were surprised by what Cedric had done, and finally started to see him as a pretty good sorcerer. Roland made sure that Cedric's family also came to the festivities.

Cedric received many gifts, not only from the Royal Family, but from the other Royals, as well as the villagers. As the day was coming to a close, Roland pulled Goodwin the Great aside, and they agreed on something.

Then just before the party was to break-up, Roland had an announcement to make.

"Please, everyone, may I have your attention! This has been a well deserved celebration to honor Cedric the Sensational, but I have one more thing to do, and I ask Goodwin the Great to join me."

Goodwin rose and stood next to his son and the King.

"I want to award Cedric, the Sorcerer of the Year Award, and I would like Goodwin the Great to make the presentation."

"Thank you, Your Majesty! Cedric! It is with great pride I present you with your first Sorcerer of the Year Award. May many follow it! Well done, my son!" and he gave Cedric a big hug.

Soon his mother was also giving Cedric a hug as well, "I too, am very proud of you, Cedi, dear!" she said through tears, as did his sister and niece.

Cedric's day couldn't have ended any better. And he never had to travel in disguise again. Cedric encased his floppy hat and long trench coat in a glass display case in his room, to serve as a pleasant reminder of the events that had passed this day.