Once Upon a Time in Enchancia
Welcome to Chapter 6 of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia". Song in this chapter: "A Million Dreams (Reprise)" from "The Greatest Showman".
Chapter 6: Darkness and Light (Part One)
October 11, 1867
It was a Friday afternoon in the Kingdom of Cinnibar. Inside Scarlett's palace, a magical tribunal had gathered, and were meeting in the ballroom of the palace. A heavily shackled Cedric was led into the ballroom. A man who was the head of the magical tribunal then addressed Cedric.
"Cedric, former royal sorcerer of Enchancia, you have been brought here from Azkaban at your own request to present evidence to this tribunal," the man who was head of the tribunal started. "Should your testimony prove consequential, this tribunal may be prepared to order your immediate release. Until that time you shall remain in the eyes of this tribunal a convicted criminal. Do you accept these terms?"
"I do," Cedric answered.
"And what do you wish to present?" the head of the tribunal asked.
"I have names, sir, of those in the Order of the Wand who have so far remained unknown," Cedric responded. "There was a Thomas, Thomas Richards."
The tribunal looked through a pile of papers, and produced one from the pile.
"Thomas Richards is dead," the head of the tribunal announced. "He was killed a few weeks ago when the Order of the Wand attempted to raid a weapons storage facility in Fairyardia. If that is all you have to offer?"
"No, no, no," Cedric countered. "There was a Pavis ..."
"Richard Pavis?" the head of the tribunal wanted to know. "From the faculty of Hexley Hall?"
"The same," Cedric confirmed. "He passed information to the Order of the Wand from inside Hexley Hall itself."
"Very well," the head of the tribunal acknowledged. "This tribunal will deliberate. In the meantime, you will be returned to Azkaban."
"No, wait!" Cedric pleaded.
Suddenly, a blast came from the back of the ballroom. Eight men with wands then burst into the ballroom, and started firing. One of the men managed to reach Cedric, and released him from his shackles. As the man quickly led Cedric away, Constance raised her wand, and hit the man with a wand blast as Cedric continued to flee. The remaining seven men grabbed Cedric, raised their wands above their heads, and disappeared.
"Bring that man over here!" the head of the tribunal ordered.
Constance trained her wand on the man she had hit, and ordered him over to the tribunal.
"You have one chance to be shown some mercy," the head of the tribunal said to the man. "Who were those who just attacked us?"
"Answer!" Constance demanded of the man.
"We were hired to free Cedric," the man answered.
"By whom?" the head of the tribunal wanted to know.
The man hesitated, then looked into the crowd.
"Who hired you?!" the head of the tribunal demanded to know.
"... Zahida," the man revealed.
"Bring Zahida forward," the head of the tribunal ordered.
"She left the ballroom a few minutes ago," a male guard revealed.
"Have an arrest warrant issued for her immediately," the head of the tribunal directed. "And issue a bulletin for the immediate recapture of Cedric."
Scarlett then walked up to Constance.
"Scarlett," Constance started, "I'm so sorry. I had no idea Zahida was planning anything like this."
"You couldn't have known," Scarlett reassured Constance. "None of us had any idea. Zahida played all of us."
"Your Honor," Constance addressed the head of the tribunal. "I'd like to be involved in hunting down Cedric and Zahida. Having not one, but two dangerous criminals out there troubles me greatly. I use to be like them until I saw the light. If there is anything I can do to help correct this situation?"
"Lady Constance," the head of the tribunal started. "You have proven over the past few months that you are indeed a changed person. You have earned the trust of the magical community, and this tribunal grants your request to hunt down and capture Cedric and Zahida. The resources of the magical community are at your disposal. Good hunting."
"Thank you, sir," Constance acknowledged.
"Where will you begin?" Scarlett asked Constance.
"I'll need to go to Cariza," Constance answered. "Corbett will want to get in on this."
"Then God speed," Scarlett wished as she hugged Constance.
A few hours later, Constance had arrived in Cariza, and had secured Corbett's help. The two then heard somebody cough behind them. It was Scarlett.
"I'm going with you two," Scarlett announced as Constance and Corbett looked at her.
"What do you mean? Why do you want to help us capture Zahida?" Constance asked as Scarlett narrowed her eyes.
"I'm not going to be capturing anyone," Scarlett sighed as Constance widened her eyes at Scarlett. "Remember that warning that I gave you at the Village Ball in Enchancia?"
Constance flashed back to that event.
"You should know that if you betray me, I will kill you. Both of you," Scarlett warned Constance and Zahida.
"You've proven yourself loyal to me, Constance," Scarlett smiled as she gently placed her hand on Constance's shoulder. "My warning no longer applies to you. But it does to Zahida. When I bailed you two out, I did so with the little inkling of hope that there was goodness in you and Zahida somewhere."
Constance nodded as she looked up to her queen.
"That hope no longer exists to protect Zahida," Scarlett muttered. "When we find her, I'm going to kill her."
That night
At Enchancia Castle, fourteen-year-old Dorrie and fourteen-year-old Candice were in Candice's bedroom discussing the day's events.
"A bold move - Zahida helping Cedric to escape," Dorrie remarked, shocked.
"Yes," Candice agreed. "And Cedric trying to throw Professor Richard Pavis under the carriage was uncalled for."
"Professor Pavis is a good man," Dorrie said in support. "I'm glad the tribunal quickly determined he was wrongly accused, and cleared him of all wrongdoing."
"I realize Cedric would say anything to save his own skin, but pointing the finger at an innocent man is a new low, even for Cedric," Candice remarked in disgust.
"Cedric probably did that to buy some time, until his rescue party arrived," Dorrie theorized.
"You're right, of course," Candice agreed as she walked over to her window, and looked out at the night sky. A memory of happier times then crossed Candice's mind.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Dorrie asked, curious.
"I was thinking back to when we were both ten," Candice answered. "About two months after I had come to the castle, you, me, and Mom were looking up at the night sky."
"I remember that," Dorrie smiled.
Flashback:
Candice, Dorrie, and Violet were outside behind the castle looking up at the night sky when Candice started happily singing.
"Every night I lie in bed. The brightest colors fill my head. A million dreams are keeping me awake."
Dorrie and Candice then started singing together. "I think of what the world could be. A vision of the one I see. A million dreams is all it's gonna take."
Violet then ended the song. "A million dreams for the world we're gonna make."
Violet then gently hugged her two daughters.
End of flashback, and back to the present.
"Happier times," Dorrie fondly remembered.
"Which will come again," Violet said as she walked into Candice's bedroom. "Have hope."
"Always," Candice happily agreed.
October 18, 1867
Enchancia Today news article:
Friday, October 18, 1867: The hunt continues for escaped criminal Cedric, the former royal sorcerer of Enchancia, who escaped from a magical tribunal in Cinnibar a week ago. The hunt is being headed up by Lady Constance, as well as Corbett (who is the royal sorcerer of Cariza), and Queen Scarlett of Cinnibar. So far, there has been no sign of Cedric, and no sign of Zahida who orchestrated Cedric's escape.
In royal news, representatives of the well known magical House of Pearson will begin a visit to Enchancia Castle this afternoon. Among those greeting the Pearson representatives will be King Roland and Queen Miranda, along with the Enchancia Castle representatives of House Cosmarune (Lady Violet, Lady Dorrie, and Lady Candice).
It was afternoon at Enchancia Castle, and there was much excitement in the castle courtyard as everybody gathered waited for the arrival of the Pearson family. Nearby, a female reporter holding a crystal ball was doing some live reporting for the Crystal Ball News Network.
"This is Brenda Davis reporting live from Enchancia Castle," the woman announced. "We are awaiting the arrival of the representatives from the House of Pearson. Present to greet them is King Roland, wearing his signature red military uniform, and Queen Miranda, wearing her signature pink gown. And standing next to King Roland and Queen Miranda are the royal children dressed in their finest - Prince James, and Princesses Amber, Sofia, and Lucinda."
Brenda stopped for a moment, then continued. "Also present are the Enchancia Castle representatives of House Cosmarune - Lady Violet, Lady Dorrie, and Lady Candice, all dressed up for the occasion. Lady Violet is wearing a dark brown jacket, a white blouse, and a light brown flowing skirt. Lady Dorrie is wearing a dark purple gown, while Lady Candice is wearing a dark yellow gown with a floral pattern."
At that moment, the House of Pearson flying carriage landed in the courtyard of Enchancia Castle.
"And here are the representatives of the House of Pearson now," Brenda reported. "First to step off the carriage is Elizabeth Pearson, followed by Elizabeth's twin sister, Htebazile, which is pronounced Teb-a-zee-lay. Lets watch as the representatives walk up the steps to the castle."
Elizabeth and Htebazile walked up the steps. Elizabeth was light-ochre skinned with blue eyes and ash-blond floor length hair. Htebazile was light-ochre skinned with green eyes and raven-black floor length hair.
"Lady Elizabeth, Lady Htebazile," King Roland bowed. "Welcome to Enchancia Castle."
"The pleasure is ours, King Roland," Elizabeth smiled. "Allow me to introduce you to those who have accompanied us."
A fourteen-year-old girl wearing wire framed glasses with ash-blond hair that came down to her behind, light-ochre skin, blue eyes, and wearing a pink gown along with a cherry-blossom pink amulet, was the first to step forward.
"This is my daughter, Elainna Marie Pearson," Elizabeth introduced Elainna to Roland. "And this is Anniale Eiram Pearson, Htebazile's fourteen-year-old daughter and Elainna's cousin. Anniale is pronounced Ann-i-lay."
Anniale wore wire framed glasses, and was light-ochre skinned with green eyes and ash-blond waist-length hair. Two twenty-year-old young women then walked up."This is my eldest daughter, Anastasia," Elizabeth continued. "And this is Aisatsana, Htebazile's eldest daughter. Aisatsana is pronounced eyes-a-sauna".
Roland nodded in greeting to Elainna, Anniale, Anastasia, and Aisatsana. Anastasia was light-ochre skinned with blue eyes and ash-blond ankle-length hair. Aisatsana was light-ochre skinned with green eyes who also had ash-blond ankle-length hair.
Two seventeen-year-old young women then walked up. "This is my daughter, Esmerelda, " Elizabeth introduced. "And this is Htebazile's daughter, Adleremse, whose name is pronounced Ad-ler-emse."
Esmerelda wore glasses with medium weight frames, and was light-ochre skinned with blue eyes and raven-black hair that came down to her behind. Adleremse also wore glasses with medium weight frames, and was light-ochre skinned with green eyes and raven-black hair that came down to her kneecaps. Roland nodded in greeting to Esmerelda and Adleremse as two eleven year-old girls walked up.
"This is my younger daughter, Kimmy," Elizabeth announced. "And this is Ymmik, Htebazile's younger daughter. Ymmik is pronounced Yim-ick."
Kimmy wore glasses with thick frames, and was light-ochre skinned with blue eyes and raven-black hair that came down to her behind. Ymmik wore thick framed glasses as well, and was light-ochre skinned with green eyes and raven-black hair that also came down to her behind. The final representatives, two eight-year-old girls, then walked up.
"This is my youngest daughter, Amanda," Elizabeth announced. "And this is Adnama, Htebazile's youngest daughter. Adnama's name is pronounced Ad-nam-a."
Amanda was light-ochre skinned with blue eyes and ash-blond hair that came down to her mid back. Adnama was light-ochre skinned with green eyes and ash-blond hair that also came down to her mid back. Roland nodded in greeting to Kimmy, Ymmik, Amanda, and Adnama.
"It's wonderful to have all of you here," Roland smiled. "This is my wife, Queen Miranda".
Roland then motioned fifteen-year-old James and Amber, and fourteen-year-old Sofia and Lucinda, to come over.
"This is our son, James," Roland started. "And our daughters, Amber, Sofia, and Lucinda."
Roland then motioned Violet, Dorrie, and Candice to come over.
"And these are our representatives from House Cosmarune - Lady Violet, Lady Dorrie, and Lady Candice," Roland announced. "If all of you will follow us into the castle, there are refreshments available in the ballroom."
As everybody walked into the castle, Elainna found herself walking next to Candice. Elainna looked at Candice as they walked.
"Is there something wrong, Lady Elainna?" Candice asked, curious.
"Well, no," Elainna said, not sure of herself. "It's just that ..."
"Please don't be nervous around me," Candice said in a reassuring voice. "I know I'm a creation of Maleficent, but I don't share her dark ways."
"I'm not nervous around you," Elainna smiled. "I'm in awe of you. Is it true that you can ... transform into a dragon?"
"Why, yes," Candice smiled back. "And Dorrie can transform into a werewolf."
"Impressive!" Elainna remarked. "Perhaps the two of you could give me a demonstration while I'm here?"
"We'd be honored," Dorrie happily said as she looked back at Candice and Elainna.
Queen Miranda looked back at the touching scene, and smiled.
Later that afternoon
Jade was riding her flying horse, Skywind, when she felt a wand blast hit her and Skywind. In a few moments, Skywind managed to get himself and Jade safely to the ground.
"What ... happened?" Jade asked in shock as she dismounted Skywind.
"I did!" a man's voice came from behind Jade and Skywind.
Jade turned around to see Cedric standing there.
"You!" Jade exclaimed in anger.
"Yes, me," Cedric smirked. "I decided to hang out here in Enchancia, figuring this would be the last place anybody would look for me."
"What do you want?" Jade asked, nervous.
"I want you, my dear," Cedric answered as he raised a wand.
Jade tried to run, but Cedric managed to stun her with a magical blast. Skywind raced over, but he too was stunned by Cedric.
"And now, Jade Chen," Cedric started, "I shall get even with Sofia and Lucinda for taking my place. And the best way to do that is to strike at one of their best friends."
Cedric then took out a vial containing an illegal sleeping potion.
"This is called Eternal Nightshade," Cedric explained as he poured the potion into Jade's mouth. "In addition to putting its victim to sleep, it drains the victim of his or her energy while they sleep ... until the victim dies."
Jade fell asleep in a few moments. Cedric then noticed an amulet that Jade was wearing.
"Is that the ... Amulet of Satu?" Cedric asked himself. "Not only do I get my revenge, but I get a prize as well."
"Hold it right there!" a man's voice ordered as Cedric was about to remove the amulet from Jade's neck. Cedric turned around to see Corbett standing there.
"Oh, it's you - the clone," Cedric said in disgust.
"Cedric!" Corbett started. "I'm placing you under arrest!"
"You and what army?!" Cedric laughed.
"I'm glad you asked," Scarlett said as she and Constance appeared out of thin air.
Cedric gave Scarlett and Constance a dirty look.
"I think the phrase you're looking for is Curses! Foiled again!" Constance laughed at Cedric.
"Oh, bravo!" Cedric mocked. "That coming from one of the most evil sorceresses around."
"I see you don't get news in Azkaban," Scarlett said to Cedric. "Otherwise, you'd know that Constance has turned over a new leaf, and has become good."
"Well, that's sickening!" Cedric said with disdain.
"Where's Zahida?!" Scarlett demanded to know of Cedric.
"Well, if you must know, she threw me a wand, and said I was on my own," Cedric reported. "I haven't seen her or her rent-a-thugs since."
"We'll deal with you first, then," Corbett said as he raised the family wand he had been given.
"They gave you the family wand?!" Cedric spat at Corbett.
"Well, it seemed the right thing to do, considering that Corbett is a better son than you ever were," Constance smirked at Cedric.
"That does it!" Cedric shouted at Constance as he raised his wand. "I'll fix you!"
As Cedric was about to fire his wand, Constance, Corbett, and Scarlett raised their wands and fired upon Cedric, knocking him unconscious.
"We'll need to get help for Princess Jade," Scarlett observed. "And we'll need to see that Cedric is returned to Azkaban. The two of you stay with the princess. I'll apparate to Enchancia Castle, and bring back help."
As Scarlett disappeared into thin air, Constance kept watch over the unconscious Cedric, as Corbett walked over to the sleeping Jade.
"Hang in there, Princess Jade," Corbett gently said. "Help is on the way."
At Enchancia Castle
The Pearson representatives were settling into their guest rooms. As this was going on, Jade's father and mother were visiting King Roland and Queen Miranda. Jade's father and mother had brought along their recently born baby triplets (two baby boys - Ling Wei and Yue Lan; and a baby girl - Kim Lin).
"Oh, Emma," Miranda smiled at Jade's mother as they all sat in the castle sitting room. "Your babies are so adorable."
"Thank you, Queen Miranda," Emma responded, pleased.
At that moment, Baileywick rushed in.
"Your Majesties," Baileywick started in a worried tone of voice. "Queen Scarlett has just arrived, and she brings sad news. Princess Jade has been poisoned by an illegal sleeping potion given to her by Cedric."
Jade's mother and father cringed in fear.
"We're sending a flying carriage to bring Princess Jade here," Baileywick continued. "Cedric is in custody, and will be coming along as well."
"Throw Cedric in the dungeon as soon as he arrives," Roland ordered. "And have a room set up for Jade, as well as a room for Jade's parents and the babies."
"I'll see to it immediately, Your Majesty," Baileywick responded as he raced off.
"Liang, Emma," Roland gently said to Jade's parents, "we'll make sure Jade has the best care available."
"Thank you, King Roland," Liang said, grateful.
Violet, who had been standing nearby, walked over to Emma.
"I'll see to the babies, Emma," Violet offered. "You and your husband go and look after Jade."
"Thank you, Violet," Emma said in gratitude as she, Liang, Roland, and Miranda raced out of the room in preparation for Jade's arrival.
A while later, the flying carriage arrived in the Enchancia Castle courtyard, followed by Skywind. A team of guards hustled Cedric off to the dungeon, while another team of guards gently carried Jade into the castle.
"Nice going, slimeball!" Candice spat at Cedric as he passed by. "I hope you rot behind bars!"
Sofia raced up to Skywind, who was worried sick about Jade.
"We're going to take good care of Jade," Sofia reassured Skywind. "You can stay in our stables while Jade is being looked after. We have a special stall for when Mazzimo comes to visit. The stall has a back door that will allow you to come and go whenever you want."
"Thank you, Princess Sofia," Skywind said, grateful. "Please look after Jade."
"We will," Sofia gently responded. "I promise".
"I realize now isn't the best time to talk," Constance said as she walked up to Dorrie. "But, when you're ready, I'd like to talk to you. I have things I need to say to you."
"I'll think about it," Dorrie responded. "Right now, there's too much going on with Jade."
"I understand," Constance acknowledged.
As a team of guards carried an unconscious Jade into a guest room, Sofia and Lucinda followed behind along with Jade's parents, King Roland, Queen Miranda, Constance, and Corbett. In a few moments, Elizabeth Pearson walked in, followed by Htebazile Pearson.
"We understand that Princess Jade here has been poisoned with an illegal sleeping potion?" Elizabeth asked.
"Yes," Scarlett acknowledged. "An illegal sleeping potion called Eternal Nightshade."
"One of the nastiest potions used by the dark forces," Htebazile admitted. "Elizabeth and I can create a potion which will slow down the effects, but that will only be a temporary measure. To fully cure somebody affected by Eternal Nightshade, a magical herb called Aguito Root will have to be used, and the only place that Aguito Root can be found is Avalor."
"Then I'll send three people who are familiar with Avalor," Roland announced. "They've been acting as unofficial commerce representatives between Enchancia and Avalor for a while now."
"Good," Elizabeth acknowledged, before turning to Sofia and Lucinda. "May we use your magical workshop to create a potion that will slow down the effects of Eternal Nightshade?"
"Yes, of course," Sofia agreed.
"The potion to slow down the effects can be tricky to make," Htebazile pointed out. "It is best when done in two parts."
"Agreed," Elizabeth confirmed. "Me, Anastasia, Esmerelda, Elainna, Kimmy, and Amanda could work on one part of the potion, and you, Aisatsana, Adleremse, Anniale, Ymmik, and Adnama could work on the other part."
"Then let's get started," Htebazile said eagerly.
"If you'd like," Dorrie started as she stepped forward, "one team could use Sofia and Lucinda's magical workshop, and the other team could use mine and Candice's magical workshop."
"An excellent idea," Elizabeth smiled, before turning to Roland. "You're blessed having not one, but two magical workshops under your roof."
A short while later, Roland had Violet, Dorrie, and Candice report to his study.
"Ladies, I need your help," Roland started. "As you've heard, a magical herb called Aguito Root is needed to cure Jade. However, Aguito Root can only be found in Avalor. And since the three of you have been acting as unofficial commerce representatives between Enchancia and Avalor for a while now, I think it is best that the three of you go there and try to obtain that root."
"Dorrie, Candice, and I have developed some contacts in Avalor, sir," Violet announced. "We'll start with Mateo, the royal wizard of Avalor. We'll travel to his workshop using the Floo Network, and start with him. Just let me make arrangements with Suzette to look after the Chen babies while we're gone."
"Of course," Roland agreed.
"The three of us will do our best to obtain some Aguito Root," Violet pledged.
"I know you will," Roland smiled. "God speed."
In Avalor
Violet, Dorrie, and Candice used the Floo Network to travel to Mateo's workshop.
"Lady Violet," Mateo looked up. "Lady Dorrie, Lady Candice. This is an unexpected pleasure."
"It's good to see you again, Mateo," Violet greeted as she and Mateo hugged. "We're here on urgent magical business. One of our friends has been poisoned with Eternal Nightshade. We need some Aguito Root as a cure."
"I wish I could help you," Mateo apologized. "Even though Aguito Root is native to Avalor, it is a rare magical ingredient. The only place I know of that has any is Doña Paloma's shop here in the city."
"Well, we've best be getting there," Violet said to Dorrie and Candice.
"Allow me to offer you an official escort, ladies," Chancellor Esteban suggested as he entered Mateo's workshop. "I'll have a carriage and a group of guards accompany you. It's the least we can do for our friends from Enchancia."
"We accept your kind offer, Chancellor," Violet accepted. "Thank you."
A short while later, Violet, Dorrie, and Candice arrived by carriage at Doña Paloma's shop. As the three climbed off of the carriage, Gabe (the Captain of the guard) walked up.
"Would you like me to accompany you into the shop?" Gabe asked Violet, Dorrie, and Candice.
"That won't be necessary," Violet politely responded. "Dorrie, Candice, and I know Doña Paloma."
"As you wish, ma'am," Gabe acknowledged as Violet, Dorrie, and Candice walked into the shop.
"Ah!" Doña Paloma smiled as she greeted Violet, Dorrie, and Candice. "My good friends from Enchancia."
"It's good to see you again, Doña Paloma," Violet said as she and Doña shook hands. Violet then filled in Doña about the situation with Jade, and the need for some Aguito Root.
"Yes, I do have some Aguito Root," Doña acknowledged. "Considering the situation, I'll let you have what Aguito Root I have in stock. You may have it for simply what I paid for it. It's the least I can do to foster continued good relations between Avalor and Enchancia. I hope it helps Princess Jade."
"Thank you for your kindness," Violet said gratefully as she handed Doña the money for the Aguito Root. "And now, for some side business."
"What may I offer you?" Doña asked, pleased with the idea of carrying out some profit making business.
"I'd like to order two crates of Avaloran chocolate," Violet answered. "Our Chef Andre uses it in a variety of desserts."
Violet and Doña agreed on a price, money was exchanged, and arrangements were made to ship the two crates of Avaloran chocolate by transport boat to Enchancia Castle.
"Doña Paloma?" Dorrie asked. "Would you mind if Candice and I looked around your shop? We'd like to buy a get well gift for our friend, Princess Jade."
"Of course you may," Doña happily answered. "Princess Jade is blessed to have friends such as yourself who care about her. In fact, anything you pick out will be half price - my treat."
"Thank you, Doña Paloma," Candice smiled as she and Dorrie started looking around the shop.
"You're blessed to have two fine daughters," Doña commented to Violet.
"They're my pride and joy," Violet smiled.
At that moment, Dorrie and Candice raced up with a small music box.
"It's yours," Doña agreed as Dorrie and Candice paid for the music box.
"We've best be going," Violet said of herself, Dorrie and Candice.
"Safe journey, ladies," Doña wished as Violet, Dorrie, and Candice left the shop.
Back at Enchancia Castle
Violet, Dorrie, and Candice returned to Enchancia Castle via the Floo Network. As the three stepped out of the fireplace in Dorrie and Candice's workshop, Queen Miranda, Elizabeth, and Htebazile were waiting for them.
"We managed to get some Aguito Root," Violet announced.
"Excellent," Elizabeth smiled as she took the Aguito Root.
"There's enough here for two doses," Htebazile noticed.
"That gives me an idea," Elizabeth said to Htebazile. "We could make two different doses - a regular dose, and a more stronger dose in case the first dose doesn't bring Princess Jade out of it."
"An excellent idea," Htebazile agreed. "We can once again split up into two groups, and each group could make a dose."
"Then lets get started," Elizabeth urged as she and Htebazile left the workshop.
"Jade is still unconscious," Miranda reported to Violet, Dorrie, and Candice. "The Pearsons, thanks to their potion, have managed to slow the progression of the Eternal Nightshade inside of Jade's body. That at least buys us some time."
"Thank the Lord," Violet said in relief.
"Queen Miranda?" Dorrie asked. "Is it okay if Candice and I visit Jade? We have a small get well gift for her."
"Of course," Miranda agreed. "Afterward, Dorrie, you should know that Constance would like to talk to you. We've set up a guest room for her here in the castle."
"I'm not sure," Dorrie confessed. "She attacked me a long time ago. It took me a while to recover."
"I can understand that," Miranda acknowledged.
"I think I have an idea," Candice announced. "Let me meet with Constance first. I can report back to you afterward with my feelings."
"I'll accept that," Dorrie agreed.
Candice meets with Constance
After Dorrie and Candice left their get well gift with Jade's parents, Candice went up to Constance's guest room. Candice then knocked on the door.
"Come in," Constance invited.
Candice opened the door, and walked in.
"Oh!" Constance said, taken off guard at the presence of Candice. "I was hoping that Dorrie would have come here."
"That's not off the table ... yet," Candice said in a reassuring voice. "It was decided to have me meet with you first."
"A wise precaution," Constance agreed. "If I were Dorrie, I wouldn't trust me, either."
"Lets have a talk, shall we?" Candice suggested.
"I'd like that," Constance started. "But before we get started, I want to look you square in the eye. I want there to be no doubt that I am truly sorry for what I have done in the past. I was a different person back then. I've changed now. I realize the great joy you feel in being good. The evil in me is gone, replaced by good. And I've never been happier."
Candice looked deeply into Constance's eyes. There was a profound happiness there, as if a great weight had been lifted from Constance's shoulders. There was no more darkness within Constance, only the light of good. It was as if Candice were looking at a mirror reflection of herself.
"My God!" Candice exclaimed. "You have changed for the better!"
"Yes," Constance cried in happiness. "And it feels so good."
Candice raced over to Constance, and hugged Constance. "Welcome to the light, Constance."
Constance cried in happiness as Candice held Constance. Candice and Constance then sat down, and had a pleasant conversation.
A cure is brought
In the guest room where Jade was laying unconscious, Elizabeth and Htebazile walked in and approached Jade's parents who were watching over Jade.
"Prince Liang, Princess Emma," Elizabeth started. "Htebazile and I have brought a potion made from the Aguito Root. We're ready to administer it to your daughter."
"Please proceed," Liang directed, hopeful.
As Htebazile cradled Jade's head, Elizabeth carefully poured the potion into Jade's mouth.
"We should know in a few moments if the potion has worked," Elizabeth announced.
(To be continued in Chapter 7).
Behind the scenes
In this edition of "Behind the scenes", a special surprise from Jolly Roger Brat ...
Readers of "Witch Tales" will remember that in Chapter 6, Meatloaf is one of Lucinda's favorite foods. Thanks to Jolly Roger Brat, we now have the recipe.
Lucinda's Favorite Meat Loaf
1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
1/2 can cranberry sauce
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon ground thyme
1/8 teaspoon sage
Dash nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt (optional)
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2/3 cup plain dry bread crumbs
1 1/2 pounds extra lean ground beef
Preheat oven to 350. Stir brown sugar and cranberry sauce together until smooth. Place in the bottom of a 9x5 loaf pan. In a bowl, combine eggs, onion, milk, thyme, sage, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir in bread crumbs. Add ground beef and mix thoroughly. Shape into a loaf and place on top of cranberry mixture. Flatten top so loaf will sit level when inverted. Bake 1 hour and 30 minutes. Let sit 10 minutes, invert on plate, and serve.
Put a baking pan underneath the loaf pan to catch drips.
Lucinda sometimes makes a salad with the remaining cranberry sauce, some mandarin oranges, and sugar mixed together.
Author's notes
Adleremse Pearson, Adnama Pearson, Aisatsana Pearson, Amanda Pearson, Anastasia Pearson, Anniale Eiram Pearson, Elaina Marie Pearson, Elizabeth Pearson, Esmerelda Pearson, Htebazile Pearson, Kimmy Pearson, and Ymmik Pearson are characters created by epear96, and are used in this story with the permission of epear96.
Amber, Baileywick, Cedric, Chef Andre, Jade, James, King Roland, Lucinda, Queen Miranda, Sofia, Suzette, and Violet are reoccurring characters seen in "Sofia the First".
Apparate, Azkaban, and Floo Network are from "Harry Potter".
Chancellor Esteban, Doña Paloma, Gabe, and Mateo are reoccurring characters seen in "Elena of Avalor".
Eternal Nightshade is an illegal sleeping potion created for this story by MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.
"I'm not sure," Dorrie confessed. "She attacked me a long time ago. It took me a while to recover" - this is a reference to events seen in Chapter 13 of my story "Dorrie".
Mazzimo is originally from the "Sofia the First" episodes "The Secret Library" and "Best in Air Show".
Skywind and Zahida are characters created by MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury, and are used in this story with the permission of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury. Skywind is from SailorWednesdayMercury's story "From Villager To Princess Book 1". Zahida is from my stories "Dorrie" and "Dorrie: Book Two".
The Amulet of Satu is from SailorWednesdayMercury's story "From Villager To Princess Book 1".
The Kingdoms of Avalor and Cariza are from "Elena of Avalor".
The Scarlett Warrior (A.K.A. Scarlett) (A.K.A. Queen Scarlett) (A.K.A. Queen Scarlett Katherine Felchenerow) is a character created by Ben10Man, and is used in my stories with permission from Ben10Man.
The scene with Cedric naming names was inspired by the trial seen in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire".
The scene with Jade's parents visiting Enchancia Castle with their new babies was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury. The babies are from SailorWednesdayMercury's story "From Villager To Princess Book 1".
The scene with Jade and Skywind being attacked by Cedric was based on an idea submitted by MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury which I expanded on.
The scene with Scarlett joining forces with Constance and Corbett was the idea of Ben10Man (who also provided the dialog for that scene).
The scenes with the Pearsons working together on a treatment for Jade were the idea of epear96.
Disclaimer
Adleremse Pearson, Adnama Pearson, Aisatsana Pearson, Amanda Pearson, Anastasia Pearson, Anniale Eiram Pearson, Elaina Marie Pearson, Elizabeth Pearson, Esmerelda Pearson, Htebazile Pearson, Kimmy Pearson, Ymmik Pearson, and the other original ideas from epear96 are the property of epear96, and are used in this story with the permission of epear96.
"Elena of Avalor" and everything associated with it © Craig Gerber, Disney Television Animation, Team TO, and Disney-ABC Domestic Television.
"Harry Potter" and everything associated with it © J. K. Rowling, Bloomsbury Publishing, Arthur A. Levine Books, Little Brown, Heyday Films, 1492 Pictures, Patalex IV Productions, and Warner Brothers Pictures.
Skywind, Zahida, and the other original ideas from MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury are the property of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury, and are used in this story with the permission of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.
"Sofia the First" and everything associated with it © Craig Gerber, Jamie Mitchell, Disney Television Animation, Toiion Animation Studios, Team TO, and Disney-ABC Domestic Television.
"The Greatest Showman" and everything associated with it © Chernin Entertainment, Seed Productions, Laurence Mark Productions, TSG Entertainment, and 20th Century Fox.
The Scarlett Warrior and the other original ideas from Ben10Man are the property of Ben10Man, and are used in my stories with the permission of Ben10Man.
I only own Aguito Root, Brenda Davis, Candice Cosmarune-Cooper, Constance, Corbett, Dorrie Cosmarune-Cooper, Professor Richard Pavis, Thomas Richards, and the Kingdom of Fairyardia.