An Enchanter at Work...
The next night, she went to the manor, surprised to find the girl sobbing in the gardens. Magnum stepped in tapped her on the shoulder. "Are you alright lady?"
"I'm not a lady," the girl said, but then softly added, "not anymore..."
Magmun was confused at why she said anymore, but didn't pry. "Well, I won't know what the matter is if you don't tell me now will we?"
"But, who are you." Asked the girl, "You seem so small... how can you help me? I don't even believe the great gods can."
"Magnum and enchanter, but do tell?"
"Oh! It was horrible! Mystepmotherandstepsisters won'tletmegototheball!" The girl stammered.
"That's it?" Magnum almost laughed. She remembered balls. That is when her mother was still alive and her papa usually had a ball every month. Everything about it was magical, partly because her mother decorated the rooms. "Why not?"
"They hate me..." said Cindy miserably and added. "I'm Cindy... of the ashes."
"Here," said Magnum as she touched a finger on Cindy's cheeks making the dust and salty tear streaks vanish. "There, Cindy of the ashes no more. Now let's get you ready for the ball."
"Really? Oh I'll do anything!"
"First, you must promise not to tell anyone of our little encounter," Said Magnum seriously. Then added, "If anyone suspects or finds out, you must flee."
"I promise, but how will that help me?"
Magnum offered no answer but a question instead, "Have you ever seen an illusion at work?" Cindy shook her head. "Well you shall today."
She took out her magical crystal and began a long chant. The crystal blazed an eerie glow, and then in a flash of blinding light, Cindy's rags turned into a gown. The material was soft and smooth jus like the summer breeze with colours blending like the rainbow. On the road a carriage with coachmen and horses stood there.
Magnum materialized a mirror and held it out to Cindy.
"Oh, I'm gorgeous!" gasped Cindy.
Magnum chuckled at her handiwork, you have to admit; it didn't look bad. "I suggest you go now."
"How can I ever repay you? And please tell me who taught you? Did your mother? Did your father?"
Hearing the word "father" made Magnum stiffen, "No, it was my mother." Will my father still haunt me even though I'm far away from him? She waved a hand and Cindy was transported into the carriage. "I'm sure a handsome young stranger will want to dance with you."
"Thank you!" Cindy called out as the carriage departed for the palace. "The manor isn't locked, you may use the attic since my stepmother and stepsisters would never step into them."