Once Upon a Time in Enchancia Chapter 36: Journeys, a sofia the first fanfic

Once Upon a Time in Enchancia

Welcome to Chapter 36 of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia".

Chapter 36: Journeys

May 29, 1869

It was a late Saturday afternoon outside of Enchancia. In Lovisa's new lair, one of Lovisa's female spies was telling Lovisa about what had happened in Cinnibar.

"Lovisa," the woman started. "I witnessed what went down at Queen Scarlett's palace in Cinnibar. Your assassin tried to kill Leanne. However, Leanne magically put a ring of fire around the assassin, and magically sucked the assassin into the ground."

"Holy slark!" Lovisa exclaimed in alarm, as she turned to other witches who were nearby. "I never knew my sister had such abilities. Looks like she's played all of us for fools. Well, there will be payment for that. Start work on the clone of Miss Nettle, and add in that something special we were discussing."

"Yes, my mistress," one of the witches acknowledged.

June 11, 1869

It was a Friday afternoon at Enchancia Castle. In the Enchancia Castle sitting room, King Roland, Queen Miranda, Sofia, Lucinda, Amber, James, Dorrie, Candice, Abby, and Violet were gathered.

"Since the school year is now finished, we will leave for our trip to Castlehaven tomorrow morning," Roland announced. "Abby, since you are now a member of the House of Cosmarune, you will accompany us as a member of the Cosmarune delegation which will be made up of Violet, Dorrie, Candice, and yourself."

"Yes, King Roland," Abby acknowledged.

"There is one more piece of business before we leave tomorrow," Roland revealed. "Lucinda, as you know, the Wendarby Institute is currently in the very early stages of construction. The board of advisors overseeing the construction have asked me to pass along a request to you."

"What request, Dad?" Lucinda asked, curious.

"The Wendarby Institute, like Hexley Hall and Hogwarts, will have its own school houses," Roland started. "The board of advisors would like to know if it is okay to name one of the houses after you, your birth mother, and your birth father. The house would be known as Magwin House."

"Oh, my!" Lucinda exclaimed with a mix of awe and shock. "But, why?"

"You and your parents were well liked in Wendarby," Roland explained. "Naming a school house after you is a way of honoring you and your birth parents."

"Magwin House," Amber smiled. "It has a nice ring to it."

"I agree," Miranda happily added. "Please say yes, Lucinda."

"Then, yes," Lucinda gleefully agreed.

"Great!" Roland exclaimed in joy. "I'll inform the board of advisors."

As everybody was leaving, Colonel Martinsen walked in and approached Roland.

"King Roland," Martinsen bowed. "May I speak to you in private?"

"Of course," Roland agreed. "We'll talk in my study."

In a few moments, Roland and Martinsen walked into Roland's study, as Martinsen shut the door,

"What is this about, Colonel?" Roland wanted to know.

"An interesting development has occurred," Martinsen started. "The witch Leanne is now working for Queen Scarlett, and has been installed as a member of Crimson Force."

"I trust Scarlett ... in most things," Roland began, nervous. "But, has she thought this through? Leanna is the sister of Lovisa."

"Lovisa tried to have Leanne killed," Martinsen reported. "Apparently, that was more than enough to turn Leanne against Lovisa. Queen Scarlett feels that Leanne can be trusted, enough so that she's arranged to have all charges against Leanne dropped. From this time forward, Leanne is considered to be a law enforcement officer."

"Well, if Scarlett feels that Leanne can be trusted, then I'll have to go along with it," Roland relented.

"Which brings us to the next order of business," Martinsen revealed. "Queen Scarlett wants Leanne to be assigned to Enchancia ... specifically, Enchancia Castle, as a special agent."

"Why?!" Roland asked in shock.

"Young Elizabeth," Martinsen answered. "Queen Scarlett feels that Lovisa may still come after Elizabeth's amulet. And, Queen Scarlett feels that Leanne would be the best protection for Elizabeth."

"I'm not sure about this," Roland said, uneasy. "A leopard doesn't change its spots overnight."

"That's not true in all cases, sir," Martinsen pointed out. "Candice changed overnight, and look at the good person she's become. If we gave Candice a chance, doesn't Leanne deserve the same chance?"

"Of course, you're right," Roland quietly agreed. "Very well, I'll allow it."

"I'll make the arrangements," Martinsen said as he left Roland's study.

June 12, 1869

It was a Saturday morning in the Enchancian town of Evermore Landing, The town, located near the Village of Dunwitty, was a sea port, and among its claims to fame was not only being a busy sea port, but was also where the royal floating palace, as well as the royal galleon, were docked when not in use.

At the town docks, the royal floating palace was ready to depart. The royal family, along with Violet, Dorrie, Candice, and Abby, boarded the floating palace. In a few minutes, the floating palace left its dock as people from the town cheerfully clapped and waved goodbye. Aboard the floating palace, those on board waved back to the crowd. In a short while, the floating palace had entered open water on its way to Castlehaven.

Meanwhile, at Enchancia Castle, Miss Nettle was departing for a trip of her own.

"I'll be back in a few hours," Miss Nettle cheerfully informed Lieutenant Hummel, a male guard at the castle.

"It's wonderful that you've been chosen as grand marshall for this year's floral festival in Summerset Village," Hummel happily remarked. "An honor well deserved."

"Thank you, Lieutenant," Miss Nettle smiled.

"Ah!" Hummel observed as a royal carriage pulled up. "Your carriage is here."

Miss Nettle climbed aboard the carriage, and in a few moments, the carriage departed Enchancia Castle. In the distance, Lovisa and a short figure watched Nettle leave. The short figure was ... an evil clone of Miss Nettle.

"You'll wait for a few hours, then go to the castle," Lovisa directed. "You'll be supplied with a duplicate carriage and driver, so everything will look normal."

"What about the real Miss Nettle?" the clone wanted to know.

"I'm arranging for some of my people to create a storm that will hit Summerset Village," Lovisa explained. "It will be strong enough to keep Miss Nettle there indefinitely. And that, in turn, will give you enough time to carry out your mission."

Lovisa and the evil clone of Miss Nettle looked at each other, and chuckled in an evil way.

A few hours later, the evil clone of Miss Nettle entered Enchancia Castle posing as the real Miss Nettle. As the evil clone floated around the castle, she came across nine-year-old Elizabeth doing some cleaning in the throne room.

"Hello, dear Elizabeth," the evil clone smiled.

"Hello, Miss Nettle," Elizabeth smiled back. "Have an enjoyable time in Summerset Village?"

"Wouldn't know," the evil clone said with an evil gleam in her eyes. "Never went."

"What?" Elizabeth asked, taken off guard.

"You see, my dear," the evil clone explained, "I'm not the real Miss Nettle."

"Then who are you?" Elizabeth wanted to know.

"I'm an evil clone of Miss Nettle, made by Lovisa," the evil clone laughed. "I'm here to carry out Lovisa's revenge for recent events."

"Not on my watch!" a woman's voice came from off to the side. The evil clone, and Elizabeth, looked to see Leanne standing there.

"Ah!" the evil clone exclaimed. "The traitor!"

"You bunch betrayed me first," Leanne pointed out as she pulled out her wand, and fired a magical blast at the evil clone. The evil clone was sent flying backward, landing against a wall.

"If it's a fight you want, it's a fight you'll get!" the evil clone barked as she pulled out her wand, and fired a very powerful magical blast at Leanne, who was thrown off of her feet.

"What are you?" Leanne asked, taken off guard.

"A more powerful version of the real Miss Nettle," the evil clone explained with an evil smile. "Enhanced with dark magic." The evil clone then fired more magical blasts at Leanne, weakening Leanne with each blast. "You will pay for betraying Lovisa!"

Elizabeth raced over to where Leanne was laying. "Touch my amulet," Elizabeth directed.

"But, it will curse me, like it did before," Leanne reminded Elizabeth.

"Not this time," Elizabeth reassured Leanne.

Leanne touched Elizabeth's amulet. In a few moments, a bright glow surrounded Leanne. As the glow faded, Leanne looked at Elizabeth, and smiled. "I understand. Thank you."

"You're welcome," Elizabeth smiled back.

"You want to party?!" Leanne barked at the evil clone. "Let's party! Elizabeth, get to safety."

As Elizabeth ran to one side of the throne room, the evil clone raised her wand, ready to fight, as Leanne recited a spell.

"Speciosus, formosus, praeclarus!"

Leanne suddenly changed into a large dragon, taking the evil clone off guard. Leanne then spat a stream of fire at the evil clone, which the evil clone barely managed to avoid. The evil clone then quickly flew out of the throne room, with Leanne in hot pursuit. At that same moment, Marcy raced up to Elizabeth.

"Are you all right, sweetheart?" Marcy asked, concerned.

"Yes, Mom," Elizabeth reassured Marcy.

"What just happened?" Marcy wanted to know.

"My amulet just gave Leanne the ability to change into a dragon, then change back into a human afterward," Elizabeth answered.

Outside of the castle, in the courtyard, the evil clone fired off a magical blast at Leanne, which Leanne managed to avoid. Leanne then spat another stream of fire at the evil clone, which the evil clone managed to avoid. As the evil clone tried to fly away, Leanne quickly pounced on the clone, grabbing the clone with a massive dragon hand. The clone then struggled in Leanne's hand, trying to escape Leanne's grasp.

"Let ... me ... go!" the clone ordered, worried.

"What? So you can fire more blasts at me? I think not!" Leanne responded.

The evil clone concentrated, and a magical force field surrounded her. The force field became hot to the touch, forcing Leanne to let go of the clone.

"Free!" the evil clone exclaimed in victory as she started flying off. The evil clone then turned around, with her wand drawn, and started speeding toward Leanne. "Now you die!"

Leanne turned toward the evil clone, and shot out a powerful stream of flame which hit the clone head on. The flame engulfed the clone, piercing the force field, and killing the clone in the process. As Leanne stopped firing, the ashes of the clone landed on the ground.

"That takes care of you, low life!" Leanne spat.

At that same moment, the magical copy of the carriage that brought the evil clone to the castle, and its driver, disappeared into thin air.

"Speciosus, formosus, reverto!" Leanne chanted as she turned back into a human.

"Are you all right?" Leanne heard a girl's voice ask. Leanne turned around to see Elizabeth standing there with Marcy.

"I'm fine," Leanne smiled. "Thank you for giving me such a gift."

"You're welcome," Elizabeth smiled back. "Your new gift, and the two spells connected to it, are yours, and yours only. Nobody else can use the spells to copy your gift. That's the way my amulet works."

"Impressive," Leanne remarked in awe.

At that same moment in Castlehaven

The royal floating palace from Enchancia had arrived off the coast of Castlehaven, and was pulling alongside a dock in the countryside of Castlehaven. As the royal floating palace docked, it was met by King Bernard of Castlehaven, his wife (Queen Nola), and two daughters (eight-year-old Norma, and sixteen-year-old Nella). The Enchancian royal family, along with Violet, Dorrie, Candice, and Abby, walked off of the floating palace.

"Welcome to Castlehaven, King Roland," Bernard happily greeted.

"Thank you for having us," Roland smiled. "This is my wife, Miranda. These are our children - Amber, James, Sofia, and Lucinda. You know Lady Violet, Lady Dorrie, and Lady Candice. And this is Lady Abby Cosmarune-Murphy."

"A pleasure to meet all of you," Bernard acknowledged with a smile. "This is my wife, Nola. And these are our daughters - Nella, and Norma."

"It is our honor to make your acquaintance," Roland said as he bowed. "Have Queen Scarlett, Princess Faith, and Lady Colette arrived yet?"

"They arrived a short time ago." Bernard reported. "They are waiting at our castle. If you and your party will climb aboard the carriages waiting, we'll take you there."

Everybody climbed about the carriages, and the carriages made their way to Bernard's castle. In a short while, everybody had reached the castle where Scarlett, Faith, and Colette were waiting.

"Scarlett," Roland greeted as he bowed. "Good to see you again."

"And It's good to see you again," Scarlett smiled.

"Aunt Colette!" Dorrie and Candice exclaimed in glee.

"Hello my fine girls," Colette smiled as she, Dorrie, and Candice hugged.

"Princess Faith," Violet greeted. "A pleasure to see you again."

"And it's a pleasure to see you again, Lady Violet," Faith greeted back.

"If all of you will come into the castle, we have refreshments ready," Bernard offered.

Everybody walked into the front room of the castle, and found a large table with drinks and snacks displayed on it. Amber looked around, and noticed a lack of servants.

"I was just curious," Amber started. "Where are your servants?"

"We do have a medium sized staff for when we need them," Nola happily pointed out. "However, we're quite informal here, and Bernard, Nella, Norma, and I take care of a lot of the chores around here ourselves."

"I see," Amber acknowledged, somewhat puzzled.

"Actually, King Jonathan and Queen Mira of Ornburgh have a similar arrangement," Dorrie pointed out. "They are down to earth people who, while royalty, like taking care of a lot of things themselves."

"Ah, yes!" Nola smiled. "Bernard and I have met them. Nice people. Aren't you and Lady Candice dating their sons?"

"Yes," Candice happily acknowledged.

"Lady Abby?" Nola asked. "Do you have anybody special in your life?"

"Not really, ma'am," Abby answered.

"What about Prince Mike of Stehurst?" Candice wanted to know.

"We're just friends," Abby pointed out. "We share a lot of interests."

"A good friendship can be a valuable thing," Nola commented.

Everybody nodded their heads in agreement, as sixteen-year-old Princess Nella stepped forward.

"Dad," Nella began. "I promised Queen Scarlett I'd take her on a tour of the grounds."

"Of course," Bernard acknowledged as Nella and Scarlett walked outside.

"Queen Scarlett," Nella started once they left the castle. "Leanne contacted me, and told me to give the Book of Life to you. If you'll follow me, I'll take you to it."

Scarlett followed Nella. In a few minutes, they came across a stairway, hidden behind a bush, that led underground. Nella and Scarlett went down the stairs, and Nella opened an iron door which was unlocked.

"An unlocked door?" Scarlett questioned.

"My associate is already inside, waiting for us," Nella explained. "We call ourselves The Keepers."

Nella and Scarlett walked down a stone hallway, until they reached an underground room. When they entered the room, they found a sixteen-year-old boy waiting for them - Sir Garrett.

"Welcome, Queen Scarlett," Garrett greeted as he bowed. "Nella and I come to serve."

"Do you have the book?" Nella asked Garrett.

"Right here," Garrett responded as he brought fourth a leather bag, containing the book. Garrett then handed the book to Scarlett. "The Book of Life."

"Thank you," Scarlett smiled in gratitude. "I promise you, the book will be safely looked after."

"Tell you the truth, Queen Scarlett, I'm going to miss protecting that book," Garrett confessed. "Nella and I have been protecting it for a long time."

"I'm going to miss protecting the book as well," Nella admitted. "We've been doing it for so long, its become part of our lives."

"I have compensation for you," Scarlett smiled as she handed Nella an envelope, and Garrett an envelope.

"What are these?" Nella asked, curious.

"The two of you are each being given an invitation to endless wonder," Scarlett explained. "An invitation to a secret place where paranormal artifacts are stored ... a place called Warehouse Ten. A place where such artifacts are stored, and kept away not only from innocent people, but also from those who would misuse such artifacts. It's our job to make sure they stay under lock and key, while also looking for other artifacts to put under lock and key. It's a never-ending job that we take very seriously. Is this something the two of you would be interested in?"

"Yes!" Nella and Garrett exclaimed eagerly.

"Good," Scarlett smiled. "Then I'll contact the head of Warehouse Ten, whose name is Eleanor Lewis, and tell her that you've accepted the invitation. She'll contact you, and get the ball rolling. Just remember, Warehouse Ten, and you two working there, will need to be kept a secret."

"Of course, Queen Scarlett," Garrett acknowledged.

"We've kept the secret of the Book of Life for a long time," Nella added. "Garrett and I know how to keep secrets."

"Of that, I have no doubt," Scarlett said, pleased, before turning to Nella. "I understand your sister, Princess Norma, has expressed an interest in becoming a knight?"

"Yes," Nella answered. "My Dad has given Garrett and me permission to start training her."

"Then, I have something I'd like you to give her," Scarlett announced as she handed Nella a small pouch. Nella opened the pouch, and discovered an amulet with a dark green gem stone. "This is something I call the Amulet of Castlehaven. It will give Princess Norma the magical ability to change into a knight, complete with armor, a shield, and a sword. When she needs the power, all she has to do is to concentrate. The same is true when she wants to switch back to her normal princess form."

"This is most generous," Nella said, pleased. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Scarlett happily responded.

In a little while, Nella walked back to the castle where sixteen-year-old Sofia was waiting.

"Where is everybody?" Nella asked.

"In the bowling alley," Sofia smiled. "Our dads, and Candice, are having a bowling tournament."

"Sounds fun," Nella smiled back. "Let's watch, shall we?"

In a few minutes, Nella and Sofia found themselves in the castle bowling alley where everybody was watching Bernard, Roland, and Candice play.

"You're right, King Bernard," Roland happily commented. "This is quite enjoyable."

"I'm glad you're enjoying it," Bernard smiled. "There's nothing like bowling."

At that moment, Bernard managed to score a strike by knocking down all ten bowling pins with his ball. Everybody clapped in congratulations.

As the afternoon continued, Bernard, Roland, and Candice had an enjoyable time bowling, as everybody else watched and happily talked among themselves. It was a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

June 13, 1869

It was a Sunday afternoon in Castlehaven. In an opened field near the castle, a number of people were gathered to watch a knights contest. At one end of the field, James and Candice were on horses. James was dressed in Enchancian armor, and Candice was dressed in Castlehaven armor.

"It's nice you were made a Knight of Castlehaven the last time you were here," James smiled. "Nice job saving Queen Nola."

"Oh, I didn't do all that much," Candice responded, shyly.

"I'm sure that's not the case," James said in a reassuring voice.

"If only you knew what truly went down," Candice thought to herself. "You and Enchancia would freak out."

At that moment, Nella rode up on her unicorn, Trinket, and Garrett rode up on his horse, Clod.

"There you are," Nella smiled at Candice. "Ready to be with Team Castlehaven?"

"I've been looking forward to it," Candice smiled back.

"I should be getting over to the visitors team," James announced as he started riding off. "Good luck, Candice."

"You too, James," Candice happily responded.

Nella, Garrett, Candice, and a teenage boy around the age of Nella, Garrett, and Candice formed a line. The boy was Sir Blaine, another knight of Castlehaven. As Garrett, Blaine, and Candice sat on their horses, and Nella sat on Trinket, a male announcer stepped forward.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the June Knights Fest," the announcer started. "First of all, introducing Team Castlehaven. We have Princess Nella, Sir Garrett, Sir Blaine, and Dame Candice."

Everybody in the audience clapped for Team Castlehaven. In the audience, Abby turned to Dorrie. "Dame Candice?"

"Dame is the title for a female knight," Dorrie explained.

"I see," Abby responded, impressed.

Elsewhere in the audience, King Roland and Queen Miranda were talking to each other.

"James is about to get quite the surprise," Roland smiled.

"He's going to be thrilled," Miranda smiled back.

James was waiting on his horse for the other members of the visitors team to arrive. From behind him, he heard a familiar male voice.

"You didn't think you would represent Enchancia all by yourself, did you?"

James turned around to see Sir Finnegan approaching on his horse. Behind Sir Finnegan, also approaching on horseback, were Sir Bartelby and Sir Maxwell.

"Sir Finnegan," James smiled. "Sir Bartelby. Sir Maxwell. How did you get here?"

"By way of the Enchancia Knights Transport Ship," Sir Finnigan answered with a wink. "Let's say we show them what Enchancian knights look like, shall we?"

The announcer once again stepped forward. "Introducing Team Enchancia. We have Prince James, Sir Finnegan, Sir Bartelby, and Sir Maxwell."

Everybody in the audience clapped for Team Enchancia.

The June Knights Fest then began with both teams showing off their riding skills. Each team successfully maneuvered around a series of obstacles, earning the awe of the audience. After the maneuvers, the knights dismounted, and stood before the crowd.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Nella began. "There is a code that all knights live by. It is called the Code of Chivalry. The ideal knight is to be humble, loyal, fair, religious, and have good manners. Here are some of the main codes which knights pledge to live by."

"To follow one's church and defend it with his or her life," Sir Finnegan announced.

"To protect women and the weak," Sir Garrett announced.

"To serve and defend one's king or queen," Sir Blaine addressed the audience.

"To be generous and honest," Sir Bartelby informed those gathered.

"To never lie," James revealed.

"To live by honor and for glory," Candice announced.

"To help widows and orphans," Sir Maxwell said to the audience.

Everybody in the audience clapped at the recital. The knights then showed off their equipment, telling the audience what each piece of equipment was used for.

It then came time for the knights to show off their sword skill. Because this was an exhibition, the knights used blunted swords as to not injure each other. The knights split up into teams of two: Nella and Sir Finnigan, Sir Garrett and Sir Bartelby, Sir Blaine and James, and Candice and Sir Maxwell. As each team took on each other in mock swordplay, the audience clapped and cheered in approval.

At one point, as Candice and Sir Maxwell battled each other, they struck up a conversation.

"I say, Dame Candice," Maxwell started, impressed, "your sword skills are excellent."

"Thank you, Sir Maxwell," Candice smiled. "You'd be surprised what they teach you at Royal Prep."

"Indeed," Maxwell agreed. "You might be interested to know I brought two fans with me."

Maxwell and Candice looked into the audience, and noticed Marcy and Elizabeth waving and cheering on Maxwell and Candice. Maxwell and Candice waved back, as they continued their swordplay. Meanwhile, Nella and Sir Finnegan took on each other.

"I've said it once, and I'll say it again," Finnegan began. "You are a very impressive knight."

"As are you, Sir Finnegan," Nella remarked with a smile.

At that same time, Sir Garrett and Sir Bartelby battled each other, as Sir Blaine and James battled each other. The audience watched the swordplay in awe.

"Sir Bartelby," Garrett started as the two carried out their swordplay. "Allow me to congratulate you and your wife on the upcoming birth of your baby."

"Thank you, Sir Garrett," Sir Bartelby smiled, pleased. "My wife, Tilly, would have been here, but it was thought it would be better for her to stay home since she's pregnant."

As James and Sir Blaine battled each other, they too struck up a conversation.

"I've got to admit, you're quite good at handling a sword, Prince James," Blaine complimented.

"You as well, Sir Blaine," James smiled.

In a while, the swordplay concluded, with each team being equally matched. The audience cheered and clapped at the skill of the knights who had just fought.

"That was very enjoyable, Dame Candice," Sir Maxwell smiled. "If you will excuse me, I need to report to King Roland. An incident happened at Enchancia Castle shortly after you left. The king will fill you in later on."

"Is everything okay there now?" Candice asked, concerned.

"Everything is fine there, thanks to Leanne," Maxwell reassured Candice.

Candice looked into the audience to see Leanne standing next to Elizabeth and Marcy. Leanne looked at Candice, and smiled happily. It was a look that Candice recognized - a look of peace and contentment, having found a life of good.

Later that afternoon

Back at the castle in Castlehaven, it was time for Roland, Miranda, Amber, James, Sofia, Lucinda, Dorrie, Candice, Abby, Violet, Scarlett, Faith, and Colette to be returning home. As they departed, they said their goodbyes to King Bernard, Queen Nola, Princess Nella, and Princess Norma. Everybody agreed it had been one of the most enjoyable visits they had ever experienced.

Later, aboard the royal floating palace, on its way back to Enchancia, a ceremony was taking place on the deck. Gathered were King Roland, Queen Miranda, Amber, James, Sofia, Lucinda, Dorrie, Candice, Abby, Violet, Leanne, Sir Maxwell, Elizabeth, and Marcy. Sir Finnegan and Sir Bartelby had opted to return to Enchancia aboard the Enchancia Knights Transport Ship.

"Leanne Dorasha," Roland said as he approached Leanne. "In recognition for your bravery in protecting young Elizabeth, I hereby award you the Shield of Valor."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Leanne acknowledged gratefully as she accepted the shield. "I hope you didn't go to any special trouble getting a shield just for me? I wouldn't have been able to do what I did without a power granted by Elizabeth's amulet."

"We keep a few shields aboard the floating palace for just such an occasion," Roland revealed. "And even though Elizabeth's amulet granted you a special power, the bravery you showed was all yours. And that deserves to be rewarded."

"Most kind, Your Majesty," Leanne smiled.

"I also have something else for you, should you want it," Roland started. "I've talked to Headmistress Lovegood at Hexley Hall via crystal ball communication. She tells me that effective this upcoming school year, Hexley Hall is in need of a new Wand Combat teacher. She says the job is yours if you want it."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Leanne beamed in happiness. "Please tell her I accept."

"You're welcome," Roland happily acknowledged. "I'll let Headmistress Lovegood know she has a new Wand Combat teacher."

As the ceremony ended, Leanne walked over to the railing of the floating palace, and looked out onto the water. At that same moment, Candice walked over.

"Is this what it's like ... being good?" Leanne asked with a tear of happiness in one of her eyes.

"It is," Candice happily answered.

"It's the most wonderful feeling I've ever felt," Leanne said in joy. "I don't know when I've been happier."

"It's the gift that keeps on giving," Candice smiled. "Welcome to your new life."

Back at the castle in Castlehaven, King Bernard, Queen Nola, and sixteen-year-old Nella were talking to eight-year-old Norma.

"As you know, Norma, I've already given my permission for Nella and Garrett to help train you in the ways of a knight," Bernard started. "I also believe you should be given a formal knight education as well. Therefore, starting this upcoming school year, I've made arrangements for you to start attending ... the Junior Knights Academy."

"Oh, Dad!" Norma exclaimed in glee as she hugged Bernard. "Thank you!"

"You're welcome, my precious one," Bernard smiled.

"Norma," Nella said as she stepped forward. "I have something for you ... from Queen Scarlett."

"What, Nella?" Norma asked, curious, as Nella brought out the Amulet of Castlehaven.

"A magical amulet that will allow you to magically change from a princess to a princess knight and back again," Nella said with a smile. "Once you wear it, all you'll have to do is to concentrate for the transformation to happen. Welcome to the fold, Norma."

Norma put on the amulet, and concentrated. In a few moments, Norma transformed into a princess knight, complete with armor, a shield, and a sword.

"Wow!" Norma exclaimed in awe.

"That's impressive, Norma," Nella smiled.

"We're so proud of you, Norma," Bernard said with pride.

"You're just like Nella, now," Nola smiled.

"Thank you," Norma happily acknowledged. Norma then concentrated, and turned back into her princess self. "I'll have to write to Queen Scarlett immediately, and properly thank her. May I be excused?"

"Of course, Norma," Bernard agreed as Norma went off to write a proper letter of thanks.

"She's becoming a proper, well mannered young woman," Nola happily said of Norma as Bernard and Nella nodded in agreement.

June 16, 1869

It was a Wednesday morning in Cinnibar. At Scarlett's palace, Candice had been summoned.

"Good morning, Candice," Scarlett smiled as Candice entered Scarlett's office.

"Good morning, Scarlett," Candice smiled back. "What may I do for you?"

"I have a book I need you to examine," Scarlett announced as she brought out the Book of Life. "It is protected by magical security measures, and, to tell you the truth, I can't get past those security measures. I need somebody like you, with Maleficent powers, to get past the security measures."

"I'll see what I can do," Candice said as she opened the book, and started looking through it.

As Candice looked through the book, it seemed normal enough, with pictures and writing. It was almost as if the book was completely normal, as in any book you would pick up off any shelf. However, as Candice scanned the book with her magic, Candice started picking up indications that the book contained secrets hidden beneath the surface.

Candice ran her hand across the pages of the book. As she did so, the writing of the book started to literally come alive, moving across the pages on its own. As the writing moved, hidden writing was revealed. That writing came alive as well, and literally moved off the page and onto Candice's arm. Candice gasped in shock, and the writing quickly left her arm and returned to the book. The book then returned to normal, but not before lightly burning Candice's palm in the process.

"You're hurt!" Scarlett gasped in shock.

"I'll be okay," Candice assured Scarlett. Candice concentrated on her palm with her mind, and in a few moments, the burn was completely healed. "There we go," Candice smiled. "Good as new."

"How did you do that?" Scarlett asked in awe.

"Self healing?" Candice responded. "Something I've always had."

"That's impressive," Scarlett admitted. "It's a very rare gift. You must have gotten it from Maleficent when she made you."

"Interesting," Candice commented.

"Were you able to pick up anything from the book?" Scarlett wanted to know, curious.

"A very powerful magical book," Candice explained. "It has magical qualities that keeps its true contents hidden."

"What contents?" Scarlett inquired.

"The first witch spells," Candice informed Scarlett. "I picked up things like how witches created vampires, and possibly how to uncreate them, along with other creatures. My God! It just hit me! This is the Book of Life! The Congregation would give anything to lay their hands on it."

"The Congregation?" Scarlett wanted to know.

"A magical organization from the other dimension," Candice started. "An uneasy alliance of witches, warlocks, vampires, and daemons. The witches and warlocks of the Congregation would love to get their hands on this book. It could give them the magical spells needed to get rid of vampires and daemons."

"Sound like a nice lot," Scarlett scoffed.

"They make MACUSA look good," Candice observed.

"MACUSA?" Scarlett asked, not knowing the term.

"Magical Congress of the United States of America," Candice started. "You'll meet them in your future. Meanwhile, if I may make a suggestion?"

"Go ahead," Scarlett directed.

"This is too powerful a book," Candice explained. "In the wrong hands, it could do untold damage. It will, however, play an important part in future events. I know of two Voyagers who could keep the book safe, and make sure it gets to where it needs to be when the time is right."

"I would have preferred to have kept the book here," Scarlett admitted. "But, since you say the book is important to future events, I'll turn it over to your friends."

"I'll let them know to come here," Candice assured Scarlett. Candice then told Scarlett about the two Voyagers who would be taking the book.

June 17, 1869

It was now Thursday morning in Cinnibar. As Scarlett sat in her office, Colette walked in.

"Scarlett," Colette announced. "There is a man and a woman to see you. They say they are the Voyagers you are expecting."

"Send them in," Scarlett requested, "then leave us."

"Yes, Scarlett," Colette acknowledged.

In a few moments, a man and a woman walked into Scarlett's office as Colette shut the door. The man had white skin, brown hair, and wore glasses. The woman had white skin and medium length brown hair.

"Hello, Queen Scarlett," the man smiled. "Allow us to introduce ourselves. I'm Alistair Deacon, and this is my wife, Judith. We're specialty Voyagers who handle cases involving important historical books and documents."

"Candice has told me about the two of you," Scarlett smiled back. "Does your society have specialty Voyagers for everything?"

"Well, for the important things," Alistair explained with a wink.

"There are many important historical books and documents out there," Judith added. "Every so often, we're called in to make sure that things go according to plan."

"As is the case with this little devil," Alistair continued, looking at the Book of Life on Scarlett's desk. "We'll make sure that it gets to where it needs to be."

"Of course," Scarlett agreed as she handed over the book. "You realize that the book is magical? It has the potential to injure people who try to uncover its secrets."

"Not to worry," Judith assured Scarlett. "Alistair and I aren't magical, so the book won't affect us in that way."

"Well, we've best be off," Alistair announced as he and Judith each brought out a silver pocket watch-sized Omni, opened the covers, and adjusted the dials on their Omnis.

"Thank you for your assistance, Queen Scarlett," Judith smiled.

Alistair pushed a button on his Omni, and Judith pushed a button on her Omni. The two then disappeared into thin air.

Scarlett sat in her chair, and smiled. Everything was right with the world.

(End of Chapter 36).

Behind the scenes

In this edition of "Behind the scenes", we have two subjects.

First of all, Jolly Roger Brat, when I was writing this chapter, was interested in knowing more about Elizabeth's Amulet of Justice. At this time, MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury and I are still working out the exact specifics of Elizabeth's amulet. However, I can give you my thoughts about the amulet.

In this chapter, Elizabeth's Amulet of Justice gave Leanne the ability to change from a human to a dragon and back again. There are two spells connected to that ability - Speciosus, formosus, praeclarus! and Speciosus, formosus, reverto! The one spell is used to activate the ability, and the other spell is used to deactivate the ability. The ability to transform, and the spells connected to that transformation, were granted to Leanne by Elizabeth's amulet. As to why spells are used in this case, to be honest, I was looking for something to add dramatic effect to the ability, and I decided to use spells to do this.

Also of interest: is Elizabeth's Amulet of Justice like Jeremiah Cook's Scepter of Justice? (with the Scepter of Justice having been seen in my story "Dorrie: Book Two"). MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury and I are still working out the exact specifics of Elizabeth's amulet. However, in my opinion, Elizabeth's Amulet of Justice (created by Caradoc Lovegood) would have been inspired by Jeremiah's Scepter of Justice, and its justice-like powers.

Now, onto the subject of bowling. Since any fan of "Nella the Princess Knight" will tell you that King Dad (now King Bernard) loves bowling, I though it would be interesting to give you a history of the sport.

The earliest known forms of bowling date back to ancient Egypt, with wall drawings depicting bowling being found in a royal Egyptian tomb dated to 5200 B.C. Remnants of bowling balls were found among artifacts in ancient Egypt going back to the Egyptian protodynastic period in 3200 BC. Balls were made using the husks of grains, covered in a material such as leather, and bound with string. Other balls made of porcelain have also been found, indicating that these were rolled along the ground rather than thrown due to their size and weight.

In 1299 the oldest known bowling green for target style bowling to survive to modern times was built. Master's Close (now the Old Bowling Green of the Southampton Bowling Club) in Southampton, England is still in use.

In 1455 lawn bowling lanes in London were first roofed-over, turning bowling into an all-weather game.

On July 19th of 1588, English Vice-Admiral Sir Francis Drake allegedly was playing bowls at Plymouth Hoe when the arrival of the Spanish Armada was announced, replying "We have time enough to finish the game and beat the Spaniards too."

In 1609 Dutch East India Company explorer Henry Hudson discovered Hudson Bay, bringing Dutch colonization to New Amsterdam (later New York); Hudson's men brought some form of lawn bowling with them.

In 1670 Dutchmen liked to bowl at the Old King's Arms Tavern near modern-day 2nd and Broadway in New York City.

In 1733 Bowling Green in New York City was built on the site of a Dutch cattle market and parade ground, becoming the city's oldest public park to survive to modern times.

In 1819, New York writer Washington Irving made the first mention of ninepin bowling in American literature in his story "Rip Van Winkle".

On January 1st of 1840, Knickerbocker Alleys in New York City opened, becoming the first indoor bowling alley.

In 1846, the oldest surviving bowling lanes in the United States were built as part of Roseland Cottage, the summer estate of Henry Chandler Bowen (1831-1896) in Woodstock, Connecticut. The lanes, now part of Historic New England's Roseland Cottage House Museum, contain Gothic Revival architectural elements in keeping with the style of the entire estate.

In 1875, the National Bowling Association (NBA) was founded by 27 local clubs in New York City to standardize rules for ten-pin bowling, setting the ball size and the distance between the foul line and the pins, but failing to agree on other rules; it was superseded in 1895 by the American Bowling Congress.

In the 1880s, Brunswick Corporation (founded 1845) of Chicago, Illinois, maker of billiard tables began making bowling balls, pins, and wooden lanes to sell to taverns installing bowling alleys.

On September 9th of 1895, the modern standardized rules for ten-pin bowling were established in New York City by the new American Bowling Congress (ABC) (later the United States Bowling Congress), who changed the scoring system from a maximum 200 points for 20 balls to a maximum 300 points for 12 balls, and set the maximum ball weight at 16 lbs., and pin distance at 12 inches.

In 1908, the now-oldest surviving bowling alley for tenpin bowling was opened in Milwaukee, Wisconsin - in the basement of the Holler House tavern, containing the oldest sanctioned lanes in the United States.

In 1926 the International Bowling Association (IBA) was formed by the U.S., Sweden, Germany, Netherlands, and Finland, holding four world championships by 1936.

About 1950 the Golden Age of Ten-Pin Bowling began, in which professional bowlers made salaries rivaling those of baseball, football, and hockey players; it ended in the late 1970s.

In 1952 American Machine and Foundry (AMF) of Brooklyn, N.Y. began marketing automatic Pinsetter machines, eliminating the need for pinboys and causing bowling to rocket in popularity, making the 1950s the Decade of the Bowler.

On August 2nd of 1991 in Havana, Cuba, tenpin bowling became an international medal-level sport for the first time at the 1991 Pan American Games.

Author's notes

Alistair Deacon and his wife, Judith, are originally from "As Time Goes By".

Amber asking about a lack of servants at Bernard and Nola's castle was the idea of Luiz4200.

Caradoc Lovegood, Elizabeth West-Chadwick, and Jeremiah Cook are characters created by MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury, and are used in this story with the permission of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.

Castlehaven, Clod, King Bernard (A.K.A. King Dad), Princess Nella, Princess Norma, Queen Nola (A.K.A. Queen Mom), Sir Blaine, Sir Garrett, and Trinket are from "Nella the Princess Knight". In regard to King Bernard and Queen Nola, I wanted Nella's parents to be referred to as something more than King Dad and Queen Mom, so I came up with the names of Bernard and Nola for them.

Dame: the equivalent title to 'Sir'; title for a woman who has been awarded an order of chivalry (chivalry meaning the medieval principles governing knighthood and knightly conduct).

Faith (Scarlett's adopted daughter) is an earlier version of Faith seen in the "Torchwood" episodes "Dead Man Walking" and "Fragments".

Having a knights fest was based on an idea by Luiz4200.

Having a Wendarby Institute house being named after Lucinda and her birth parents was the idea of Brigade701.

Having Elizabeth's amulet give Leanne the ability to change into a dragon and back into a human again was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury. I added in the spell Speciosus, formosus, praeclarus! to add dramatic effect.

Having Leanne being a protector to Elizabeth was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.

Having Norma attend the Junior Knights Academy was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.

Having Norma follow in the footsteps of Nella as a princess knight was the idea of Luiz4200. I added in the Amulet of Castlehaven so that Norma would have a magical quality as Nella does.

Having Sir Blaine appear in this chapter was based on an idea by epear96.

Hogwarts is from "Harry Potter".

"I was just curious," Amber started. "Where are your servants?" "We do have a medium sized staff for when we need them," Nola happily pointed out. "However, we're quite informal here, and Bernard, Nella, Norma, and I take care of a lot of the chores around here ourselves." "I see," Amber acknowledged, somewhat puzzled. "Actually, King Jonathan and Queen Mira of Ornburgh have a similar arrangement," Dorrie pointed out. "They are down to earth people who, while royalty, like taking care of a lot of things themselves" - in case you're wondering, this is the first time I'm mentioning that King Jonathan and Queen Mira are like Bernard and Nola. Those who have read my story "Dorrie" will remember that Mira, before she married Jonathan, was a maid, and that she helps out around Ornburgh Castle even after becoming queen. Her mind set has rubbed off on Jonathan, Frederick, Everett, and Lissa.

"If only you knew what truly went down," Candice thought to herself. "You and Enchancia would freak out" - this is a reference to events in Chapter 27 of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia".

"It's nice you were made a Knight of Castlehaven the last time you were here," James smiled. "Nice job saving Queen Nola" - this is a reference to events in Chapter 27 of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia".

"I've said it once, and I'll say it again," Finnegan began. "You are a very impressive knight." "As are you, Sir Finnegan," Nella remarked with a smile - this is a reference to events in Chapter 20 of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia".

Leanne magically putting a ring of fire around the assassin sent to kill her, and sucking the assassin into the ground, was inspired by the same magic used by the Finnish witch Satu Järvinen in the first episode of the TV series "A Discovery of Witches".

MACUSA (Magical Congress of the United States of America) is originally from "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them".

Maleficent, as mentioned in this chapter, is the Maleficent of old from "Sleeping Beauty". In regard to Maleficent, readers of my stories might recall that Maleficent of the Moors is mentioned in Chapter 2 of my story "A Royal Rift". To clear things up, we'll consider Maleficent from "Sleeping Beauty", and Maleficent of the Moors from "Maleficent", to be two separate characters. To further clear things up, Maleficent in my stories is mostly the "Sleeping Beauty" version, but also has some elements of Maleficent from "Disney Descendants" added in (such as Maleficent with a child).

Miss Gayle Lovegood (A.K.A. Headmistress Lovegood) is originally from my stories "Dorrie" and "Dorrie: Book Two", and is an ancestor of Luna Lovegood from "Harry Potter".

Omni, and Voyagers, are from the "Voyagers!" TV series.

Prince Mike is the chubby prince who appeared from time to time in "Sofia the First". The friendship between Abby and Mike would be a lot like Andi and Cyrus' friendship in "Andi Mack". Since Mike's kingdom was never identified in "Sofia the First", I decided to name it Stehurst.

Slark: a curse word I created for use in my "Sofia the First" stories - a way of swearing without actually swearing as it were.

Speciosus, formosus, praeclarus! is the same spell Queen Narissa used to turn herself into a dragon in "Enchanted". Meanwhile, Speciosus, formosus, reverto! is a counter spell I created.

The Amulet of Castlehaven is an idea I came up with, and is only magical in the sense that it will allow Princess Norma to magically become a princess knight when needed. Unlike the amulets worn by Sofia and company, the Amulet of Castlehaven will not grant a "new" power to Norma when Norma does a good deed, nor will it summon somebody when Norma needs help. The Amulet of Castlehaven simply allows Norma to change from a princess to a princess knight and back again. This is my way of keeping Nella and Norma's transformation abilities equal as it were.

The Amulet of Justice is the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury, and is used in this story with permission from MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.

The Book of Life (A.K.A. Ashmole 782) is an earlier version of the Book of Life from the novel "A Discovery of Witches", and later from the TV series version of "A Discovery of Witches".

The Congregation is from the novel "A Discovery of Witches", and later from the TV series version of "A Discovery of Witches".

The Kingdom of Cinnibar is a kingdom created by Ben10Man, and is used in my stories with permission from Ben10Man.

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. Meanwhile, the character of Colette (A.K.A. Lady Colette Cosmarune) is a character that I and Ben10Man created, and is based on Bayonetta from the video game "Bayonetta" (please note that Colette, and Madam Collette of Enchancia Castle, are two different characters who are not related in any way, shape, or form).

Warehouse Ten is from my stories "Dorrie", "Dorrie: Book Two", "Changes", and "Enchancia Castle". It is a warehouse housing paranormal artifacts which existed before the current Warehouse 13 (as seen in the TV series "Warehouse 13").

"You're welcome," Elizabeth smiled back. "Your new gift, and the two spells connected to it, are yours, and yours only. Nobody else can use the spells to copy your gift. That's the way my amulet works" - having Leanne's new gift being exclusive to her was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.

Disclaimer

"A Discovery of Witches" and everything associated with it © Deborah Harkness, Penguin Books, Bad Wolf, Sky Productions, Sky Vision, and Sky One.

"Andi Mack" and everything associated with it © Terri Minsky, Go Dog Go, MM Productions, Horizon Productions, and Disney Channel.

Caradoc Lovegood, Elizabeth West-Chadwick, Jeremiah Cook, 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.

"Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" and everything associated with it © J. K. Rowling, Heyday Films, and Warner Brothers Pictures.

"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.

"Nella the Princess Knight" and everything associated with it © Christine Ricci, Brown Bag Films, Channel 5, and Nick Jr.

"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 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.

"Voyagers!" and everything associated with it © James D. Parriot Productions, Universal Television (MCA), and Scholastic Productions.

"Warehouse 13" and everything associated with it © Universal Cable Productions, NBC Universal Television Distribution, and SyFy.

I only own Abby Cosmarune-Murphy, Candice Cosmarune-Cooper, Crimson Force, Colonel Martinsen, Dorrie Cosmarune-Cooper, Eleanor Lewis, Gayle Lovegood, King Jonathan, Leanna, Lieutenant Hummel, Lovisa, Prince Everett, Princess Lissa, Queen Mira, slark, the Amulet of Castlehaven, the Enchancia Knights Transport Ship, the Town of Evermore Landing, the Village of Wendarby, and the Wendarby Institute.