DISCLAIMER: I do not own Sofia the First nor do I claim to. I just like the show and wanted to write a little something for it. However, I do own the OC(s) Zwick, Net, Rene, and Ash as well as the concept of the Rune Mage I'll be using for this story.
_[ STORY ]_
Sofia pushed the last branch from her path as she came into the small clearing that surrounded the Secret Library, "I need to have Mr. Cedric show me a teleportation spell," she huffed.
Approaching the double door, the vines wrapped around the handle moved aside for the Princess; pulling down on the curved handle, the lock released with a click, and the door swung inwards. Lights flashed into existence as Sofia trotted to the viewing room the books around her stayed dark and unmoving. This did not bother the Princess as it was the norm. Entering the room, she moved to the bench she has used for several years now and sat down.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Narrator," Sofia greeted, facing the blue mirror.
The mirror pulsed with a dim light from within its frame, then a voice echoed around the room, "hello Princess Sofia, I did not expect to see you for a while with everything that is going on," the voice said.
"I'm not here for a mission per se, but I was hoping you could help me. My dad went into the castle and came back in a hurry ordering a rider to get Mr. Goodwin, is there any way you can fill me in on what happened?"
The mirror was quiet for a bit, glowing softly, "I'll see what I can do," the Narrator said; a wave of blue pulsed from the mirror, working its way up the walls of books.
"Thank you."
The sun hung low over the horizon when the rider entered the sleepy retirement town; the residents walking close to the entrance were surprised when he sped past them, shouts sprung up to 'slow down,' and to 'watch it.' Once he entered the main square, the rider dismounted and tethered his horse close to the central fountain so they could drink before approaching the closest resident, a pair of Wizards playing a game below one of the large trees.
"Pardon my intrusion, ma'am's, but could you direct me to the home of Goodwin and Winifred Leo Cor?"
One of the women ignored the rider too deep in thought as they stared at the board the other looked up with a smile, "head down that avenue behind you and take the second right, its right on the corner," they said as their companion moved a piece, "excellent play sister!"
"Thank you," the rider said, "have a pleasant night."
"Same to you, deary."
The rider made his way as instructed and found the cottage tucked against a substantially sized willow tree, light filtered through the lower windows as he approached the door; knocking it took a moment before Goodwin answered.
The smile fell from his face when he saw the man, the royal emblem emblazoned on his breast; moving aside he ushered the rider inside and asked, "what happened?"
"King Roland has requested your presents," the rider said plainly, "there has been an incident at the palace. His Majesty has also asked if you have any information or documentation of a place called Red Run to bring it as well."
Shock danced across the Sorcerer's face, "that place is dangerous," he said, more to himself than to the rider, "I'll leave at once. Winifred, could you gather my old logbooks and tomes from storage and join me later on?"
"The ones from before we were married?"
"Yes"
"I can. Be safe, love," she said, giving him a quick kiss before he disappeared in a cloud of red smoke. "If you would be kind enough to help me, we can gather everything much faster and be on our way before moonrise."
"Of course"
Goodwin attempted to warp to the main stair before the grand entrance, but a wall of energy pushed him back, and he exited his teleportation spell halfway back from the main gate to the village. Laying winded on the ground for a moment, he picked himself up and looked around; the sight before him had him freeze in place and stare in awe.
Noises behind him drew his attention reluctantly from the castle to a small patrol of guards approaching; Goodwin made to greet them, but his knees buckled, sending him to the ground. He caught himself from falling but did not have the strength to stand back up.
The guards rushed over when they saw the Sorcerer collapse; easing him to his feet, they made way to the village or at least tried to. When Goodwin took a few steps his legs gave out again, Latin curses spilled from the man's lips as he was lowered to the ground. One of the guards headed for the village and returned sometime later with a stretcher and the King.
"Goodwin, are you alright? What happened?" Roland asked, kneeling.
Goodwin waved him off, "I'll be fine, just a side effect of running into whatever that is," he said, pointing to the green wall, "I tried teleporting to the gate but was repelled by it. What is it?"
"I can't say exactly," Roland shook his head, "but it is giving us time to find Cedric."
Goodwin's head whipped around to look the King in the eye, "what do you mean?"
Roland regarded the man, "Red Run," he breathed, "I have it on good authority that he is being held there. and I know you have information on the place."
Goodwin remained silent for a moment as the guards placed him on the stretcher and the small group made their way back into town, "I do know about Red Run, but it is a vile, evil place not fit for man or beast. The darkness in those walls ebb away at the soul, devouring the resolve of those who enter," Goodwin said. "If Cedric is there we must get him out before he is consumed by it and lost to us forever."
_[ TO BE CONTINUED ]_
Note: After a long year of not writing I am back in business baby, lol. There will be no set time for updates, sorry.