Chapter 10

After Sofia reluctantly agreed to cover for him, James made his way to the treasure room. If everything went the way he expected he would be able to send word to Miranda and have time to seek out Cedric before Silas suspected anything. It didn't take James long to find the enchanted door. He went through the necessary steps to unlock it but nothing happened; his breath caught in his chest. What if Silas had changed the code? Could he do that? Cedric must have helped him! His angry screams echoed off the walls around him when he heard a click. The door opened and, frustrated, he stormed in.

James ignored the massive piles of books and chests of gold and jewels making his way to the glass incased pink heart stone. Gently he took it and held it to his chest

"Miranda, I'm not sure what you've been told but the entire kingdom is under a spell...including Sofia...She doesn't remember me. Please, whatever you do, DON'T let ANYONE take Embry! I'm going to try to fix this. Tell him I love him" he whispered and the stone glowed the same brilliant crimson as it had when Sofia used to talk to her last time.

He re cased the stone and as he turned to leave something caught his eye. The amulet of Avalor sat upon it's stand glowing a bright purple. James stared at it for a moment, he thought they had lost it before they left Enchancia but...there it was. He had half a mind to leave it but something urged him to take it, as though it was talking to him. Maybe it could help them. The first time Sofia wore it, however, it was nothing more than a glorified flashlight.

James's aunt swore it had intense magical qualities, she often spoke of how she could talk to animals and how it projected legendary princesses when she was in need. Everyone thought her mad, of course, but there was definitely something drawing him to it. His hand clutched the hard stone and he saw a vision of Cedric looking out a window, he could see the village and instantly knew what room he was in. His father's room. Leave it to Silas to use it as a prison cell

"I'm coming for you, Cedric" James growled and Cedric looked at him

"Your Majesty?" Cedric called out confused

"You can hear me?" "You have the amulet of Avalor?"

"Yes, I know where you are. We need to get to your workshop"

"Agreed. There are three guards outside my room though, I'm not sure that's going happen" James could hear the strain in the wizard's voice

"I will figure it out. Just think of a way to reverse the spell. I have the beginnings of a plan" Cedric disappeared and James was back in the treasure room.

He pocketed the amulet, it was definitely going to come in handy. He locked the door and looked around for the tunnel that led to the west wing. It had been years since he explored under the castle but he was certain he knew the way. The tunnel he chose exited through a portrait of his great grandfather directly across from the room Cedric was being held but there were no guards in sight. He cautiously opened the door and as soon as Cedric saw him they rushed to his tower

"Where are the guards?" James panted out of breath from running so much

"I'm not sure. There was yelling and then it went quiet. Something must be going on so we need to act quickly. I was waiting for you, what was your plan?"

"Silas plans to have Zandar reverse his spell on everyone for the hearing in the morning, we need to make sure he can't put it back. I don't care if they still want him as their king but Sofia and-"

"Yeah yeah, I know the rest. You are something of a broken record, your majesty. Do you have the amulet?" Cedric gathered some ingredients and his spell book quickly

"Yes" James removed it from his pocket and handed it to the impatient wizard

"We need to strip Zandar of his magic...in less than twenty four hours...this will help amplify my powers but It would be easier to kill him or trap him at the very least. The Kingdom will no doubt have their way with Silas. He already told them he is going to enslave them in his gold mines"

"That's horrible. He really is an arrogant son of a-"

"James we don't have time for you to rant right now, please focus. Now do we kill or trap Zandar?" Cedric snapped his fingers in front of his face

James couldn't help but entertain the thought of killing him, he did make James think Sofia had slept with him but his morals took over. If he went along with killing him the kingdom would just think he was back to his old self

"Trap him and find a way to strip him of his powers"

"OK, I think I have everything for a containment spell. He won't be able to use his powers when he is in the barrier. I will immediately put up another barrier around Enchancia so no one can enter. We will figure up the details later. I need to get back to my room. I will meet you at the hearing tomorrow " Cedric grabbed a wand and waved it over himself. A cloud of smoke engulfed his body and he was gone.

James snuck back through the castle alarmed at how quiet the halls were. When he arrived back in the ball room he found Silas surrounded by all of the guards

"What's going on?" James asked and everyone looked at him

"Where have you been?" Silas roared grabbing James by his throat

"I was wandering around the castle, I couldn't bear helping Sofia plan your wedding" James choked out Silas threw him to the ground

"We've been looking for you everywhere, boy. When I give you an order you follow it!"

Sofia peeked out from behind Silas and mouthed "Sorry" to him

Silas must not have believed whatever she told him. Oh well, his plan was still in action

"Take him back to his cell. He needs his beauty sleep for tomorrow" Silas waved his hand and two big guards grabbed his arms

"I can walk, you know. I'm not resisting" James rolled his eyes as he was carried off

The smell of life was still strong but somehow it comforted him. He could think in peace here and he needed to gather his thoughts for the following day.