Once Upon a Time in Enchancia
Welcome to Chapter 49 of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia". This chapter is a rewritten version of my story "The Storm", with some additional surprises thrown in.
Chapter 49: The Storm (Part One)
Night of April 8, 1870
In Sofia's bedroom, seventeen-year-old Sofia was talking to her older biological sister, Lydia. Suddenly, in the distance, the sound of an explosion came from the direction of Dunwiddie.
"What was that?!" Sofia wondered, alarmed.
"I've never heard anything like that come from Dunwiddie before," Lydia noted, taken off guard.
"You'll have to excuse me," Sofia apologized. "I'll need to check this out."
"Of course," Lydia acknowledged. "Be safe."
"Always," Sofia smiled as she quickly got dressed to go out, grabbed her broom, and left.
Sofia made her way down to the castle throne room where King Roland, sixteen-year-old Lucinda, sixteen-year-old Dorrie, and sixteen-year-old Candice were waiting.
"We heard it too," Roland reported. "The four of you will need to go and check it out. Obviously, I don't need to tell you to be careful."
"We'll watch our backs, Dad," Lucinda said in a reassuring manner.
"There's four of us, sir," Dorrie added.
"We'll be fine, sir," Candice assured Roland.
"We'll report back as soon as we can, Dad," Sofia promised.
With that, Sofia, Lucinda, Dorrie, and Candice raced out to the castle courtyard, mounted their brooms, and flew off toward Dunwiddie.
Lydia watched through Sofia's window as Sofia, Lucinda, Dorrie, and Candice flew off.
"God speed," Lydia thought to herself.
In a short while, Sofia, Lucinda, Dorrie, and Candice arrived at the village square where a number of guards and villagers were gathered.
"Princess Sofia," one of the male guards gratefully acknowledged. "Princess Lucinda, Lady Dorrie, Lady Candice. Thank God you're here."
"What's going on?" Sofia wanted to know as the guard pointed to a bronze statue that had been blown to bits.
"Somebody blew up that statue," the guard answered. "A number of people saw a white-skinned man with gray hair running from the scene shortly before it happened."
"What was he wearing?" Lucinda asked.
"He was dressed in a black outfit, wearing purple gloves," the guard reported.
"Lubek!" Lucinda exclaimed.
"From Zoravia?" Sofia asked, taken off guard.
"It fits the description Natasha gave me," Lucinda commented.
"It would make sense," Candice broke in. "It was reported he's angry that Enchancia was one of the first kingdoms to accept Zoravia's new government once Lubek was kicked out."
"So, he blows up a statue?" Dorrie asked, not quite believing the amateur nature of the act.
"He's petty like that, according to Natasha," Lucinda volunteered.
"I have to agree with Dorrie," Sofia started. "Blowing up a statue is a bit lame."
"Perhaps I can shed some light on the situation," a woman said as she walked up. The woman was Doctor Anna Li Cook, mother to Samantha "Sam" Cook. "If I may speak to you four ladies in private?"
"Of course," Sofia agreed as she, Lucinda, Dorrie, and Candice took Anna aside.
As Anna talked to Sofia, Lucinda, Dorrie, and Candice, she remembered what she had done a few years earlier.
Flashback:
"Welcome to our annual Dunwiddie Spring Festival," Mayor Napier happily announced. "You'll find plenty of fun activities, as well as a variety of delicious food. But first, one of our newest citizens, Doctor Anna Li Cook, would like to give our festival a special blessing."
Anna walked up and raised her wand.
"May this festival, and this village, be blessed," Anna said as she shot a magical beam of energy into the sky. In a few moments, the sky around the village turned bright pink, then quickly returned to normal. The crowd cheered, pleased with the display.
"Let the festivities commence," Mayor Napier proclaimed.
As everybody enjoyed the activities and the food, Lucinda's mother walked up to Anna.
"I take it what you did was to set up the magical shield?" Lucinda's mother asked Anna.
"Yes," Anna acknowledged. "Now, Dunwiddie is protected from evil witches and warlocks."
"How exactly does it work?" Lucinda's mother wanted to know.
"It repels evil witches and warlocks," Anna explained. "If an evil witch or warlock tries to pass through the shield, the witch or warlock will have a huge sense of fear come over them, so much so that they'll be forced to turn back. Anybody else will be unaffected."
"Excellent," Lucinda's mother said, pleased.
"I decided to disguise the setting up of the shield as a blessing," Anna confided to Lucinda's mother. "After all, we wouldn't want to start a panic. Besides, now that we have such a tactical advantage, why announce it to the world?"
"Good point," Lucinda's mother agreed.
End of flashback, and back to the present.
"You see, ladies," Anna explained, "the magical beam I shot into the air was the final part of installing a shield around Dunwiddie. To maintain the shield, a magical power source needed to be in place. The night before the Spring Festival, when everybody was asleep, I installed the magical power source into that statue."
"Which explains why Lubek blew up the statue," Sofia thought out loud.
"But, one thing puzzles me," Lucinda began. "Lubek isn't magical. Why would he want to blow up a magical power source that would not affect him?"
"To let somebody or somebodies in," Candice spoke up. "With the shield down, the forces of evil could fly in here and have a grand old time."
"My God!" Dorrie exclaimed in shock. "Could it be that what is left of Lovisa's witches are planning something?"
"It could well be, Dorrie," Sofia agreed. "We'll need to take steps to prepare for an eventual attack."
April 9, 1870
It was a Saturday morning at Enchancia Castle. Sofia, Lucinda, Dorrie, and Candice had just come out of a meeting with King Roland and Colonel Martinsen. Sofia, Lucinda, Dorrie, and Candice each went off in separate directions. As Candice walked down a hallway, she came across Duchess Matilda who was sitting on a bench.
"Well, you look like a girl on a mission," Matilda smiled at Candice.
"Duchess Tilly," Candice greeted. "I didn't see you there."
"You looked like you were a million miles away," Tilly noticed. "A lot on your mind?"
"Yes," Candice confirmed as she led Tilly into the castle sitting room, which was empty, and closed the doors. "I have something to tell you. You're a member of the royal family, so you have a right to know."
"I'm listening," Tilly acknowledged, interested.
"We have a new bad witch on the block," Candice started. "Her name is Alcina. From what Enchancian Intelligence can make out by listening to crystal ball chatter, Alcina has taken over from Lovisa who is now in prison. It looks like Alcina and what is left of Lovisa's witches are planning an attack, and soon. We are getting guests out of the castle as a precaution. We've already sent Queen Lydia back to Lacorinth. You, Madeline, Madge, and your babies will be taken back to your manor house as soon as possible. Sir Bartleby, as a knight, will be staying to help with the defenses."
"I understand," Tilly confirmed. "I'll have Madeline, Madge, and the babies sent back to the manor house. But, I'll be staying."
"Duchess Tilly, please be reasonable," Candice pleaded. "Alcina and those under her command are planning an attack, and Enchancia Castle is a likely target. This is not going to be a safe place if that happens."
"I'm staying, and that's all there is to it," Tilly affirmed. "I've been one of Scarlett's agents for a long time, and I've been trained for battle."
"Very well," Candice relented. "I know better than to try to change your mind once you've decided on something."
"I'm glad we're on the same page," Tilly said with a wink.
In another part of Enchancia Castle, Lucinda was walking down another hallway when sixteen-year-old Princess Natasha of Zoravia approached.
"Is it true?" Natasha asked Lucinda. "Did Lubek cause last night's explosion in the village?"
"I'm afraid he did," Lucinda confirmed. "And it may well be the prelude to an attack by evil witches. We're getting guests away from Enchancia Castle as quickly as possible. That includes you, Natasha."
"No way," Natasha countered. "You should know, I'm a member of the Zoravia Spy Agency, and I've been trained for many situations ... including battle. I've spent the past two years on the trail of Lubek, and I'm just getting back to royal training, which is why I just started attending Royal Prep. I can take care of myself. And I want to help defend Enchancia, who has been a good friend to Zoravia."
"I didn't know you were a spy," Lucinda said, taken off guard. "You've hidden it very well."
"Thank you," Natasha smiled.
"You should know something," Lucinda revealed. "I'm with Enchancian Intelligence as an agent. I thought you should know."
"Well, how about that!" Natasha exclaimed, impressed. "It's a pleasure to meet another agent."
Elsewhere in Enchancia Castle, in Sofia and Lucinda's workshop, Queen Scarlett of Cinnibar found herself in the tower where Sofia and Lucinda's workshop was located. The bottom-most portion of the tower had pretty much remained unused since Cedric had left. Sofia and Lucinda had given the bottom-most portion of the tower over to Scarlett to use as she saw fit.
Scarlett was in that area sharpening all of her weapons. She swung her ax into a target. It split the target into two.
"You definitely know how to throw an ax," said a female voice from the shadows.
Out from the shadows stepped a woman with a long slender body. The woman had long black hair, a tight black outfit, long high heeled boots that contained holsters and pistols, and a nice pair of reading glasses. Scarlett smiled and turned to meet her royal steward, Colette.
"Scarlett, we both know that what is left of Lovisa's forces are planning some sort of an attack," Colette pointed out.
"That would be correct," Scarlett remarked.
"I know of a witch we can trust who could act as an inside agent," Colette offered.
"A fine idea," Scarlett acknowledged with a smile.
That afternoon
In the courtyard of Enchancia Castle, a royal carriage stood ready. Standing next to the carriage was Tilly and Sir Bartleby. In a few moments, fifteen-year-old Madeline (carrying baby Roxy) and Madge (carrying baby JT) walked up, followed by Madeline's dog, Genevieve.
"Ah, there you are," Tilly smiled. "Let's get all of you aboard the carriage."
"Mom, Dad," Madeline started. "I don't want to leave you."
"It's for the best," Bartleby explained. "The castle may be under attack soon, and your mother and I want you and the babies to be safe."
"I need you to be the lady of the manor," Tilly said to Madeline. "Look after the babies. I'm counting on you."
"Yes, Mom," Madeline acknowledged.
"And you'll have Madge and Spruce to help you out," Tilly continued as she gently kissed Madeline on the cheek.
"You can count on me and Spruce to help out," Madge assured Tilly.
"Of that, I have no doubt," Tilly responded, pleased.
"We don't know how long this situation will last," Bartleby said to Madeline. "Your mother and I need you to be brave during this."
"I'll try," Madeline responded.
"That's the spirit!" Tilly exclaimed, building up Madeline's spirits. "Let's get all of you on the carriage."
As Madge put baby Roxy and baby JT in the carriage, Madeline raced over to Tilly and Bartleby and hugged them. Madeline then climbed aboard the carriage, followed by Genevieve.
"Don't you worry, Madeline," Bartleby reassured. "Your mother and I will be fine."
"You can count on that," Tilly cheerfully added.
As the carriage departed the courtyard of Enchancia Castle, Madeline turned around in the carriage to face Tilly and Bartleby who were waving goodbye. Madeline waved in return. In a few moments, the carriage left the grounds of Enchancia Castle.
"You know, Tilly, that we did the right thing sending Madeline away," Bartleby comforted Tilly.
"I know," Tilly quietly admitted. "We both want her and the babies to be safe."
April 11, 1870
It was a Monday afternoon at Enchancia Castle. In King Roland's study, Roland and Colonel Martinsen were having a meeting.
"What do you have to report, Colonel?" Roland asked, curious.
"Queen Scarlett and Lady Colette have managed to place a spy within the ranks of Alcina's forces," Martinsen reported. "That spy has reported back that Alcina has delayed her attack because of the increased security we've set up."
"Well, it looks like we've bought ourselves some time," Roland commented.
"If I might make a suggestion, Your Majesty?" Martinsen proposed.
"What did you have in mind, Colonel?" Roland asked.
"Make it look like we're relaxing our security," Martinsen suggested. "Let them think we're going back to normal. Lull them into a false sense of security. Then, when they do come in, we finish them once and for all."
"A bold plan," Roland admitted. "It would be nice to be rid of this threat once and for all. I suggest we gradually relax security over the next few days so it doesn't look suspicious."
"Agreed," Martinsen acknowledged.
"And also have the spy plant a story that the magical power source that was destroyed cannot be replaced," Roland directed. "That will lull Alcina and company into an even more false sense of security."
"I'll see to that, Your Majesty," Martinsen assured Roland.
April 13, 1870
It was a Wednesday afternoon in the Village of Dunwiddie. Sofia and Lucinda had finished school for the day and were taking a walk around the village. Suddenly, they heard a familiar sound - a Tardis materilizing a short distance away. Sofia and Lucinda looked down a short side street to see that a blue Police Box had just appeared.
"The Doctor's back!" Sofia and Lucinda said together with a smile.
"I see he still leaves the brakes on," Lucinda smiled.
From the Tardis, a man stepped out followed by a young woman.
"So, Professor?" the young woman asked. "Where are we?"
"Ah, Ace!" the man answered. "Welcome to the Village of Dunwiddie in the Kingdom of Enchancia."
The man was, in fact, the seventh Doctor, and the young woman was his traveling companion, Dorothy Gale McShane, better known by her nickname, Ace.
The Doctor saw Sofia and Lucinda and walked up to them.
"Seeing that blue box appear out of thin air must seem a little strange to you," The Doctor remarked.
"Not at all ... Doctor," Lucinda replied.
"You know me?" The Doctor asked, taken off guard.
"Well," Lucinda started. "We'll know you a few of your regenerations down the road."
The Doctor turned to Ace. "Looks like this isn't the first time I've been to Dunwiddie."
"Actually ... that's correct," Sofia affirmed.
"And you two young ladies are?" The Doctor asked.
"I'm Princess Sofia, and this is my sister, Princess Lucinda," Sofia answered.
"Ah, yes," The Doctor acknowledged. "Enchancian royalty, and the royal sorceresses of Enchancia. It's an honor to meet you."
"A pleasure to meet you," Sofia smiled.
"I've never met royal sorceresses before. I'm Ace," Ace introduced herself to Sofia and Lucinda.
"Hi, Ace," Sofia happily greeted.
"A pleasure to meet you," Lucinda smiled.
"You two do any chemistry?" Ace asked Sofia and Lucinda, curious.
"Actually, it's a job requirement," Lucinda happily revealed.
"Oh! We're gonna get along just fine!" Ace smiled at Sofia and Lucinda.
At that same moment, in a forest, some distance away from Dunwiddie, Scarlett and Colette were having a private meeting with a white-skinned woman.
"The time has been set," the woman started. "Alcina's forces will attack Enchancia Castle along with Dunwiddie three nights from now."
"So, it begins," Colette remarked.
The woman then handed Scarlett a piece of paper. "This is how many evil witches they have, including new recruits, and what their attack plan is."
"Thank you, Margery," Scarlett said to the woman. "We'll be ready."
"I've better get back," Margery informed Scarlett.
"Good luck," Scarlett wished as Margery rode off on a broom.
Scarlett and Colette clapped their hands and disappeared in a puff of smoke, then appeared in the bottom-most portion of Sofia and Lucinda's workshop at Enchancia Castle. Scarlett then grabbed her amulet and concentrated.
"Sofia, Lucinda. Can you hear me?" Scarlet communicated using telepathy.
Back in Dunwiddie, Sofia and Lucinda were still talking to The Doctor and Ace when Sofia and Lucinda's amulets started to glow.
Ace noticed the amulets glowing.
"Professor?" Ace turned to The Doctor.
"Ah, yes!" The Doctor remarked to Ace. "Sofia and Lucinda's amulets have magical abilities."
"Nice," Ace responded, impressed.
The Doctor then turned to Sofia and Lucinda. "It would appear somebody is trying to contact you."
Sofia and Lucinda grabbed their amulets and started concentrating.
"Sofia, Lucinda. Can you hear me?" they heard Scarlett telepathically communicate.
"Yes, Scarlett?" Sofia communicated.
"I've just received word from my inside source," Scarlet communicated back. "Alcina's forces will attack Enchancia Castle and Dunwiddie three nights from now."
"Here we go," Lucinda acknowledged.
"Where are you now?" Sofia asked Scarlett.
"At your workshop in Enchancia Castle," Scarlett informed Sofia.
"We'll be back as soon as possible," Lucinda communicated.
Sofia and Lucinda then let go of their amulets.
"Something just came up" Lucinda informed The Doctor and Ace. "Sofia and I have to return to Enchancia Castle."
"Nothing bad, I hope?" The Doctor asked, concerned.
"Actually, yes," Sofia replied. "We've been expecting an attack by a group of evil witches, and an inside source just told us that the attack is coming soon."
"Who is this group being led by?" The Doctor wanted to know.
"An evil witch named Alcina," Lucinda informed The Doctor.
"Yes," The Doctor acknowledged. "There's a name I haven't heard for a while."
"You know of Alcina?" Sofia asked, taken off guard.
"I had a run-in with her once, when she was one of Neila's lieutenants," The Doctor answered. "Let's just say it wasn't pleasant. If you ladies will step into the Tardis, I'll get you back to Enchancia Castle."
The Doctor, Ace, Sofia, and Lucinda stepped into the Tardis. The Tardis then dematerialized, only to rematerialize a few moments later in Sofia and Lucinda's workshop at Enchancia Castle. Standing in the workshop was Scarlett and Colette. Scarlett smiled as she saw the Tardis materialize. Sofia, Lucinda, The Doctor, and Ace then walked out of the Tardis as Scarlett stepped forward.
"Doctor" Scarlett smiled. "You've regenerated again."
"Ah, Scarlett!" The Doctor smiled. "A pleasure as always."
Meanwhile, in the Peppertree Forest, Dorrie and Candice were searching for herbs to use as magical ingredients. As they searched, they heard a familiar sound - a Tardis materializing. In a few seconds, a blue police box appeared before them out of thin air.
"The Doctor's back," Dorrie acknowledged.
"I wonder which one?" Candice thought out loud. "We've encountered a few in our time."
"I'm beginning to feel like River Song," Dorrie commented, "the way we've encountered different Doctors ... and sometimes not in regeneration order."
The door of the Tardis opened, and a black-skinned woman walked out.
"Hello," the woman greeted. "Let's just cut to the chase, shall we? I'm The Doctor, and that is my ship, the Tardis."
"You've regenerated ... again?" Candice asked, taken off guard.
"What do you mean, again?" the Doctor asked, puzzled.
"Well, our Doctor is a white woman with blond hair," Dorrie pointed out.
"Let me guess," the Doctor started. "Blond hair, skinny, rainbow top?"
"That's her!" Dorrie and Candice acknowledged.
"Thought so," the Doctor responded. "Can't say I was impressed. In fact, I'd have to say I was a bit disappointed that she will be one of my future regenerations."
"Future ... regeneration?" Dorrie asked, not understanding what was going on.
"Well, the truth be known, I'm from the far past where I had a whole different set of regenerations," the Doctor explained. "It would take too long to explain."
"What may we do for you?" Candice asked the Doctor.
"I'm glad you asked," the Doctor answered. "I picked up Artron Energy coming from this location, and that's associated with time travel. I also picked up not one Tardis, but two."
"The two of us, along with our mother, are Voyagers," Dorrie explained. "We're assigned to this time period. As for you picking up another Tardis or two, the only one you should be picking up here is the First Story Keeper's Tardis."
"First Story Keeper?" the Doctor asked, not familiar with the term.
"He must be before your time," Candice volunteered.
"If you say so," the Doctor commented. "But, I definitely picked up not only your First Story Keeper's Tardis but a second Tardis as well."
"Then that can only mean one thing," Dorrie theorized. "Another Doctor must be in this area right now."
"If that's the case, I'd better go undercover," the Doctor suggested. "While I'm here, when we're in front of people, just call me Ruth."
"Whatever you say ... Ruth," Candice acknowledged.
"Splendid," Ruth smiled. "Did the two of you say you're Voyagers? Aren't you a bit young to be Voyagers?"
"We're Auxiliary Voyagers, ma'am," Dorrie informed Ruth. "We're Voyagers in training, but trusted enough to have our own Omnis, and to help full Voyagers when needed."
"Ah! I see," Ruth nodded her head in understanding. "So, have you met other versions of my future self, besides the blond?"
"Well, there was the guy in the leather coat," Candice answered.
"Then the guy in the fez," Dorrie continued.
"Then there was the gray-haired guy," Candice added. "He wasn't exactly the hugging type at first, but he eventually lightened up."
"Sounds like I have some interesting regenerations in store," Ruth remarked, unsure if she were impressed or not.
"And those are just the Doctors we've traveled with," Dorrie volunteered. "We've encountered other Doctors from a distance during our missions as Auxiliary Voyagers. I'd tell you more, but one shouldn't know everything about their future."
"Spoilers," Candice smiled.
"Spoilers?" Ruth asked, unfamiliar with the phrase.
"You'll find out more about that catchphrase in your future," Dorrie told Ruth. "Let's just say you'll meet some interesting people as you go along."
At that moment, Dorrie and Candice's amulets started vibrating - an indication that somebody was trying to contact them. Dorrie and Candice waved their hands over their chests, causing their amulets to become visible. Dorrie and Candice then held their amulets, listening to a telepathic message, as Ruth watched. In a few moments, Dorrie and Candice stopped holding their amulets, and waved their hands over their amulets, causing the amulets to become invisible once again.
"What was that about?" Ruth asked, curious.
"We've just received word that an attack we've been expecting will be taking place soon," Candice revealed.
"Candice and I have to be getting back to the castle," Dorrie informed Ruth.
"What kind of attack?" Ruth wanted to know.
"An attack by evil witches we've been expecting for a bit," Candice answered.
"I can help," Ruth offered. "I've had experience in battle situations."
"We can use all the help we can get," Dorrie acknowledged, grateful, as she and Candice brought out their wands.
"Ah!" Ruth remarked. "The two of you are witches."
"Good witches," Candice smiled. "We'll wand the three of us back to Enchancia Castle."
"We'll introduce you as a friend," Dorrie said to Ruth.
"Sounds good," Ruth acknowledged as Dorrie and Candice raised their wands, waved them over their heads and Ruth's head, and disappeared in a puff of smoke.
That night
That night, in Enchancia Castle, the upcoming attack by Alcina's forces was being discussed.
"We're now equipped with Gatling guns and enough ammunition for a sustained attack," King Roland reported. "Our cannons have also been replaced with newer cannons with greater range."
"Special weapons stand ready," Sofia announced. "They can be deployed at a moment's notice."
"The friends of Enchancia stand ready," Scarlett reported as she waved some people over. "You know Captain Gabe Nunez and Royal Wizard Mateo de Alva from Avalor. You know Princess Natasha from Zoravia. You know Princess Nella and Sir Garrett from Castlehaven. And these are friends of Nella and Garrett - Riley, and Royal Wizard Omorn, also from Castlehaven."
"We are honored to have all of you at our side," Roland acknowledged, pleased.
"Dunwiddie defenses are in place," Mrs. Hanshaw announced.
"The Knights of Enchancia stand ready," Sir Finnegan proudly proclaimed.
"The Hexley Hall teachers are ready," Headmistress Lovegood reported.
"And we're ready as well," Flora announced on behalf of herself, Fauna, and Merryweather.
"I've been itching for a good fight," Merryweather proudly boasted.
"And the best thing of all is that Alcina's forces have absolutely no idea what they're flying into," Lucinda added.
"Meanwhile," Roland started, "I'd like to introduce you to The Doctor and his traveling companion, Ace. This is an earlier version of The Doctor some of us have met before. The Doctor has asked us not to reveal anything about future versions of him to maintain the integrity of his personal timeline."
Everybody nodded their heads in agreement.
"So, that's one of my future selves," Ruth whispered to Dorrie and Candice. "This should be interesting."
"Thank you, King Roland," The Doctor acknowledged. "Ace here can deliver something to this party - a high explosive known as Nitro-9."
"Then, it looks like we're ready," Roland remarked.
"Pardon me for stepping in," Ruth apologized as she stepped forward. "Being ready is one thing, but we'll need to have strategies in place."
"And you are?" Roland asked.
"This is Ruth," Dorrie spoke up. "Candice and I are honored to call her a friend."
"You could call me a tactical strategist," Ruth explained. "I've been in my fair share of scrapes, and I've come away with a fair amount of knowledge."
"We can use all the help we can get," Roland agreed. "Welcome aboard, Miss Ruth."
As everybody broke up into groups, The Doctor and Ace walked up to Ruth.
"Miss Ruth," The Doctor began. "I'd be interested in discussing any tactical strategies you might have for using Ace's Nitro-9."
"I'd be glad to," Ruth agreed. "I've had experience with explosive substances."
"Excellent," The Doctor acknowledged. "This may seem hard to believe, but I have the feeling we've met before."
"Maybe in another life," Ruth suggested.
"An interesting theory," The Doctor responded. "As a Time Lord, I have a number of regenerations under my belt. But, before that, I have to wonder was I a totally different person with another set of regenerations?"
"If only you knew," Ruth thought to herself.
In another part of the room, Mateo and Omorn were talking to each other. Omorn was a middle-aged white-skinned man.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, young man," Omorn greeted. "I've heard good things about you."
"Thank you, sir," Mateo responded, impressed.
"Don't call me sir," Omorn requested with a smile. "Call me Omorn. All my friends do."
"Then Omorn it is," Mateo happily complied. "Castlehaven is lucky to have a royal wizard of your stature."
"Well, with Badalf running amuck all over Castlehaven, King Bernard thought it was time for Castlehaven to have a royal wizard," Omorn explained. "I was more than happy to accept the position, even with me having to stop Badalf at every turn."
"We have a few of these types in Avalor as well," Mateo commented. "It's just lucky they don't have access to the Floo Network."
"Indeed," Omorn agreed. "A useful magical gateway. That's how I brought Princess Nella, Sir Garrett, Riley, and myself here."
"And that's how I brought Captain Nunez and me here," Mateo spoke up as Omorn looked at Mateo's tamborita.
"That's an interesting device," Omorn remarked.
"It's called a tamborita," Mateo explained. "In Avalor, we use tamboritas like other places use wands."
"Perhaps I could have a go at using it?" Omorn requested.
"Sure," Mateo agreed. "We can go out behind the castle, and I can show you how it works."
"Splendid, young man," Omorn happily acknowledged as he and Mateo left the room.
As Omorn and Mateo left, Dorrie and Candice smiled at the friendly exchange. In a few moments, Sofia and Lucinda joined Dorrie and Candice.
"Well, I think we're ready," Sofia remarked, pleased.
"Alcina's forces aren't gonna know what hit them," Lucinda added.
"It's going to be a Saturday that's going to be remembered for a long time," Dorrie smiled as Candice nodded her head in agreement.
Elsewhere that night, in Zumaria Castle, Queen Cecily and a sixteen-year-old Princess Vivian were having a conversation.
"Are you sure, Mom?" Vivian asked Cecily.
"Yes, Vivian," Cecily answered. "I release you from your vow of secrecy. I no longer have the luxury of hiding. Our friends are in danger, and they are going to need every bit of help they can get."
Vivian hugged Cecily.
"I've trained you well," Cecily smiled at Vivian. "You're ready."
(To be continued in Chapter 50).
Behind the scenes
In this edition of "Behind the scenes", something different than the usual "Behind the scenes".
As all of us are painfully aware, here in the real world we are experiencing the coronavirus pandemic on a global scale. I want to report that I'm not sick or showing any signs of being sick (thank God). I hope all of you are doing well during this pandemic.
We're all going through a rough time right now. Please remember that the darkest hour comes before the dawn. We will get through this. Stand tall. See you next chapter.
Yours faithfully,
Niagara14301
Author's notes
Artron Energy is from "Doctor Who".
Badalf, Garrett, Nella, and Riley are from "Nella the Princess Knight". Bringing Riley into this chapter was the idea of Battlefieldfan2. Meanwhile, Royal Wizard Omorn is an original character I created to help round things out.
Captain Gabe Nunez and Mateo de Alva are from "Elena of Avalor". Bringing Gabe and Mateo into this chapter was the idea of Brigade701.
Doctor Anna Li Cook, JT, Roxy, and Samantha "Sam" Cook are characters created by MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury and are used in this story with the permission of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.
Floo Network is from "Harry Potter".
Gatling gun: the Gatling gun is one of the best-known early rapid-fire spring loaded, hand cranked weapons, and a forerunner of the modern machine gun and rotary cannon. Invented by Richard Gatling, it saw occasional use by the Union forces during the American Civil War in the 1860s, which was the first time it was employed in combat.
King Bernard is actually King Dad from "Nella the Princess Knight". Readers of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia" will remember that I gave King Dad the name Bernard to give him a more real name.
Lydia is from GradGirl2010's stories "My Sister's Keeper", "My Sister's Teacher", and "My Sister's Acceptance", and is used in my stories with the permission of GradGirl2010. Readers of my stories will remember that Lydia (in my stories) is Queen of the Kingdom of Lacorinth (being married to King Graham of Lacorinth), and is also the royal sorceress of Lacorinth.
Madeline and Genevieve are based on Madeline and Genevieve from the "Madeline" book series but adapted for the "Sofia the First" universe. Madeline has also appeared in stories written by Sofia2017 planning, as well as my stories "A Royal Rift", "Enchancia Castle", "Getting To Know Tilly", "Sofia and Lucinda the First - Twice Upon a Princess", "Sofia and Lucinda the First", and "Tales From The Castle". The versions of Madeline and Genevieve seen in this chapter are based on Madeline and Genevieve who appeared in my story "Getting To Know Tilly", with that Madeline and Genevieve now adapted to be a part of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia".
Madge is a character created by Brigade701 and is used in this story with the permission of Brigade701.
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".
Natasha is based on Natasha from the original "Princess Natasha" TV series but adapted for the "Sofia the First" universe. Having Natasha being brought into "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia" was the idea of Luiz4200. Meanwhile, Lubek is also from the original "Princess Natasha" TV series but also adapted for the "Sofia the First" universe.
Nitro-9 (from "Doctor Who") is a powerful explosive created by Ace: "just like ordinary nitroglycerin, except it's got a bit more wallop". Ace mixes it herself, and puts it inside deodorant cans equipped with an eight-second timer.
Omnis, and Voyagers, are from the "Voyagers!" TV series.
Readers of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia" will remember that in Chapter 20 the First Story Keeper was revealed to be a renegade Time Lord like The Doctor.
River Song is from the Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi eras of "Doctor Who".
Spoilers: a catchphrase used by River Song when dealing with The Doctor. River knew about The Doctor's future, and when The Doctor would try to get River every so often to reveal a bit about his future, River would decline by simply saying Spoilers (River's way of saying that information was off-limits).
Tardis is from "Doctor Who".
The flashback scene with Doctor Anna Li Cook is originally from Chapter 43 of my story "Dorrie".
The Kingdom of Avalor is from "Elena of Avalor".
The Kingdom of Castlehaven is from "Nella the Princess Knight".
The Kingdom of Cinnibar is a kingdom created by Ben10Man and is used in my stories with permission from Ben10Man.
The Kingdom of Lacorinth is a kingdom I created for Lydia and her husband, King Graham.
The Kingdom of Zoravia, and the Zoravia Spy Agency, are from the original "Princess Natasha" TV series.
The Ruth Doctor is from the "Doctor Who" episodes "Fugitive of the Judoon" and "The Timeless Children". It was revealed in "The Timeless Children" that the Ruth Doctor was part of a former life of The Doctor which took place before the William Hartnell episodes of "Doctor Who". It was also revealed in "The Timeless Children" that one of the regenerations after Ruth had his mind erased by the Time Lords, therefore erasing the memory of that regeneration and all past regenerations from all future regenerations of The Doctor.
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).
The seventh Doctor and Ace are from the Sylvester McCoy era of "Doctor Who".
"Thought so," the Doctor responded. "Can't say I was impressed. In fact, I'd have to say I was a bit disappointed that she will be one of my future regenerations" - this is a reference to events seen in the "Doctor Who" episode "Fugitive of the Judoon".
"Well, there was the guy in the leather coat," Candice answered. "Then the guy in the fez," Dorrie continued. "Then there was the gray-haired guy," Candice added. "He wasn't exactly the hugging type at first, but he eventually lightened up" - the guy in the leather coat is a reference to the Christopher Eccleston Doctor. The guy in the fez is a reference to the Matt Smith Doctor. And the gray-haired guy is a reference to the Peter Capaldi Doctor.
Disclaimer
Doctor Anna Li Cook, JT, Roxy, Samantha "Sam" 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.
"Doctor Who" and everything associated with it © BBC.
"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.
Lydia is the property of GradGirl2010 and is used in my stories with the permission of GradGirl2010.
"Madeline" and everything associated with it © Barbara Bemelmans, and the Estate of Madeleine Bamelmans.
Madge and the other original ideas from Brigade701 are the property of Brigade701 and are used in this story with the permission of Brigade701.
"Nella the Princess Knight" and everything associated with it © Christine Ricci, Brown Bag Films, Channel 5, and Nick Jr.
"Princess Natasha" (the original series) and everything associated with it © Larry Schwarz.
"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.
I only own Alcina, Candice Cosmarune-Cooper, Colonel Martinsen, Dorrie Cosmarune-Cooper, Headmistress Lovegood, Lovisa, Margery, and the Kingdom of Lacorinth.