In Enchancia Castle, everyone was getting ready for a new day. However, Amber, James, Sofia, Lucinda, Dorrie, and Candice would all be attending Hexley Hall for the next few days. Royal Prep was having some remodeling done, and Gayle Lovegood, the Headmistress of Hexley Hall, had invited them to attend classes there until Royal Prep's remodeling was finished.
"It'll be nice to go to Hexley Hall again," Sofia smiled as she and her Mexican Spotted Owl Hector came into the hall. She, as well as the other girls, were wearing the Hexley Hall uniform for girls, consisting of a dark blue blazer with a white Peter Pan collar blouse, and a long flowing dark purple skirt.
"It certainly was nice of Miss Lovegood to let us attend classes at Hexley Hall for the next few days," Amber said as she and her Spectacled Owl Horatio came out. "Is everyone ready?"
"Ben and I have been ready since we got up!" James grinned, stroking his Striped Owl Benjamin's feathers. Like the girls, he was wearing a Hexley Hall uniform, but his consisted of a blue blazer, white shirt, and purple pants. "And no, I was not working on papers all night to make the time go faster!"
"We know you weren't, James, but we'll see a few of our other friends there too," Candice smiled as she and her Buff-Fronted Owl Marco came up to them. "Some went to Game Day, and we can swap adventure stories!" The last time Sofia and her friends had been at Hexley Hall, the former headmaster had attacked, and they had worked together to save the school and students.
"That's true, but come on, everyone! We can talk more later," Dorrie grinned as she and her snowy owl Arnan approached. "We don't want to keep the coach waiting!"
At the same time, in Orillia Castle, Sandra was getting ready to go to Hexley Hall as well. "You ready to go, Marcy?" she asked her barn owl Marcella. Sandra was wearing a female Hexley Hall uniform like her friends in Enchancia, and like her friends, she had also been given her own owl as a reward for helping the school.
"Let's go!" Marcella hooted. "And thanks for introducing me to King Robert's owl. He's really nice; not like the Screech Owls I knew back at Hexley Hall!"
Sandra smiled, but it faded a little as she passed her sister Zoe's room. She knocked on the door, asking, "Are you going to be okay, Zoe?"
Zoe looked up from where she was still in bed. "I know I'm sick, but I really want to come to Hexley Hall with you, Sandra!" She had wanted to go to Hexley Hall with Sandra, but she was suffering from a cold and had to stay home.
Sandra came in and sat on the edge of the bed. "I know, Zoe, but Mom and Dad say that since you have the plague, you can't come this time. But don't worry. I'll tell Callista, Shawna, Wendell, and all your friends in Stryker that you said hi. And at least you can send them messages with Lani's help." She paused and stroked the Scops Owl fluttering on her perch. "And who knows? Maybe tomorrow or the next day you can come with me."
"You think so?" Zoe asked.
"Why not?" Sandra replied, "All you need to do today is rest. Ambre, Eldora and Lani will keep you company. And if you get hungry, I made some soup. All you need to do is tell one of the maids you want some, and they'll bring it up."
Zoe smiled. "Okay, but can you also bring Reno in here?" she asked, referring to Sandra's stuffed Jaquin.
"No problem," Sandra nodded, going to get her dark brown stuffed Jaquin. "I introduced him to Fig, and they like each other!" she added, referring to the plush cat Zoe had given her on the day Sandra became Sir Avery's squiress.
"All our kitties like each other!" Zoe giggled.
"Yes they do," Sandra smiled, "And I heard that Miss Lovegood set up a kind of welcome-back carnival for the students today. I'll see if I can win you something."
"Okay!" Zoe smiled. "Have fun, Sandra!"
A short time later, Sofia and her friends arrived at Hexley Hall. "It's nice to be back here," Sofia smiled as she looked around. "But this time we're here as students."
"This kind of reminds me of when I participated in School Swap Day," Amber agreed.
"Speaking of that, Amber, Zeke came here once when there was a School Swap Day," Sandra agreed. "Like we did when we came here for Game Day and those workshops, he was Sorted too, into Stryker. He was really happy to hear that Zoe was sorted into that house too," She looked over at Candice and smiled. "But on a different note, Candice, I see you've got glasses. And they look nice!"
Candice smiled. "Thanks, Sandra. I think they'll help me when we play that game over there!"
"Game? Oh, that's right!" Amber smiled. "Daddy said Miss Lovegood made a welcome back carnival for students!"
"Well, what are we waiting for?" Dorrie grinned. "Let's go play!"
True to her word, Sandra won Zoe a stuffed winged horse at one of the booths. As she was sending Marcella back to Orillia Castle with it, she saw Wendell come up to her.
"Hello, everyone," Wendell smiled. "Enjoying the carnival so far?"
"So far so good," Sandra smiled, "Your fellow Stryker Zoe says hi. She couldn't come today since she's sick, but maybe tomorrow or the next day she'll be here. But tell your mom and dad thanks for those new herbs and potion bottles. Some of Aleena's supplies were running low, and she forgot to restock them."
"It happens," Wendell assured her, "But you did help her write down what she needed."
"Okay, that's enough!" Amber smiled. "Let's try some of these games out, and have some fun!"
Everyone agreed, and went over to the different booths. Unknown to the group, some members of the Order of the Wand were watching them.
Wendell watched as Sandra gave a coin to a vendor running a fishing game, and a few moments later, saw her pick up a plush cat. "Got it!" she cheered, but to her surprise, she won not only a plush orange tiger, but also a plush lynx. "How about that! Double prizes!"
"Well done, Sandra!" Wendell smiled.
"Dad said his father liked to go fishing," Sandra grinned. "Zeke, Zoe, and I went with him sometimes when we were younger. But on a more serious note," she added, holding the tiger and the lynx out to Wendell, "Pick a kitty, any kitty!"
"Thank you, Sandra!" Wendell smiled as he looked at the tiger, "I think I'll pick this one!"
From where he was watching them, Ezekiel nodded. "Not bad, Sandra Underfoot."
Sandra looked up in surprise. She hadn't heard the charming little nickname Ezekiel and some of the squires had given her for a long time. "Zeke? But that's impossible. He's in Azkaban."
"What's wrong?" Wendell asked.
"I just heard the nickname my brother and some of the squires gave me when I was learning fencing and how to be a squire from the knights," Sandra frowned.
"I've wanted to ask you about that for a while, Sandra," Wendell continued, "How did you get involved with fencing in the first place?"
"It all started when I had to leave my Enchanted Gardening class so I could breathe again…" Sandra started.
Flashback
Miss Flora could see right away that something was wrong. For the fifth time since class started that day, the red-clad fairy watched as Sandra slipped out into the hall to get some air. At first, Flora figured she had breathed in Wheezing Wisteria pollen, since they were learning about that plant today, and that plant's pollen made it difficult for people to breathe. But it soon became clear that this wasn't the case.
Sandra quietly came back in, but Miss Flora noticed that she looked embarrassed about having to leave the room over flowers again. "Sorry about that, Amber...again," she whispered.
"Don't worry, Sandra; the windows are all shut, and it is kind of stuffy in here," Amber whispered back.
When class let out, Miss Flora called, "Princess Sandra, if we could talk to you for a moment, dear?"
"This can't be good..." Sandra muttered. "And please don't let Zeke hear about this! He finally stopped teasing me about that speech!"
"Don't worry, dear; this has nothing to do with your speech. You made it up beautifully, and we all know that everyone sometimes gets frightened when they have to give a speech. And Prince Ezekiel will not know about this either," Miss Flora smiled, leading her out of the room.
Miss Flora, Miss Merryweather, and Queen Patricia were all waiting for them in the headmistress' office.
Sandra started to get nervous. "Mom, what are you doing here? Miss Flora, what's going on? Am I in trouble?"
"Of course not, dear," Miss Fauna smiled. "But we've noticed that you've been having trouble with the flowers in class. It's true that you know the names, and you've said that you're not allergic to flowers, but you've been having trouble breathing in the room."
"I'm sorry, Sandra," Patricia apologized, "I wanted you to take the class so you, Zoe, and I could work in the garden together. I also thought you'd grow out of that sensitivity to flowers you've had since you were younger. I wanted to be able to work in the garden with you and Zoe, so we could all enjoy the flowers."
"I'm sorry, dear, but we're going to have to drop you from the class," Miss Flora apologized.
"Will this go on my record?" Sandra asked nervously. She started to tear up a little at the thought, but Patricia squeezed her hand.
"Of course not, dear," Miss Fauna smiled, handing her a calming potion as Miss Flora slipped her a handkerchief and Miss Merryweather hugged her, "You've been passing the class, since you always pass the written tests, but you shouldn't put your health at risk."
As the calming potion took effect, Sandra asked, "I know, Miss Fauna, but what other class can I take?"
"If I may suggest something, which I think you'll like," Patricia smiled, "I think you'd do well in Weapons Proficiency. I think every princess should be able to defend herself, and as you know, I still have the dagger your father gave me when I was attacked by those robbers."
"That was before Zeke was born, right?" Sandra asked. "I think you told us the story."
"That's right," Patricia smiled. "But before I tell you the story again, you'll be happy to know that Weapons Proficiency is at the same time as Enchanted Gardening, so we won't have to rearrange your schedule."
"Okay," Sandra smiled for the first time since coming to the office, "I've been watching the knights, too, so I kind of know how to move."
Miss Merryweather smiled. "Have you really, Princess Sandra?"
"I copy their movements when they're practicing, and being in Professor Popov's class helps with the agility needed," Sandra admitted. "Afterwards, I'd help pick everyone's equipment up and take it over to the knights to sharpen. Some of the squires, Zeke included, would watch me and say, 'Not bad, Sandra Underfoot,' or 'Thank you, Sandra Underfoot', and I guess the nickname stuck."
"There's nothing wrong with practicing a skill you find interesting," Miss Flora smiled. "You'll start the class on Wednesday, and before then, you'll have to get a fencing outfit, mask, and foil."
"Okay," Sandra agreed.
When the day came, some of the princes were surprised to see her in the class, but Sir Gilliam said that everyone deserved a chance, and he was happy that Sandra was a quick learner, and she became a welcome member of not just the class, but the school fencing team.
End flashback
"You are good with a sword, Sandra," Lucinda smiled when Sandra finished her story.
"And everything worked out for you in the end," Amber agreed.
"And that explains why you picked that as your hobbit name in Creative Writing," James added with a grin. "But wasn't that before you had Iris Sandybanks of Haysend?"
"How long have you been here?" Sandra asked. "And look who's talking, Sancho Bumbleroot of Frogmorton! But in my defense, I changed it to Iris Underfoot of Haysend, so I'd still have part of the name I liked."
"It's okay; those are both cute names," Sofia smiled over the group's laughter, "And to answer your question, Sandra, we all came back here when you started telling your story."
"But if you think you heard your brother, we should alert Miss Lovegood," Dorrie broke in as everyone sobered.
"The teachers should know about this too," Candice agreed.
As the group walked toward the school, Neila and the Order of the Wand watched them.
"Well, look who it is," Neila sneered, seeing Candice from a distance. "Little Miss Goody Two-Shoes herself."
"She had it all," Baron von Rocha remarked. "A perfectly evil career, ready to become Number Two to Maleficent herself. And what does she do? She throws it all away … to become good. How disgusting."
"Disgusting is right," Morgana agreed. "And are those…glasses…she's wearing?"
"You're right, Morgana," Neila observed. "She's becoming more like those meddlesome fairies she emulates with each passing day."
"Somebody's coming," Greylock warned as some teachers came down the hallway.
"Everybody scatter," Neila ordered. "We'll meet back at the vanishing cabinet."
"Miss Neila," Ezekiel murmured, "I didn't intend to give away our position when I saw Sandra. I was just surprised to see her. I do want to be part of your plans, and I want revenge on her as well."
"Ah, yes," Neila murmured, "You told me how you captured your family when you attempted to take over your kingdom, and how they were placed under a spell. It's not your fault that your sister escaped. But we'll deal with her later. Right now, we need to regroup."
"Maybe we could trap her somehow," Ezekiel continued. "I could find her again and pretend that you broke me out of Azkaban to help with a plan of yours. I didn't want to, so I tried to find her to warn her about you."
"Interesting idea," Neila admitted. "But I think you should take someone with you. You can choose whoever you want, and when you see your sister, you can trap her in this."
Ezekiel smiled when she handed him a crystal. "A Dream Crystal? I've heard of these. Aleena told me that their magic is really powerful, and they can be used to trap people in them. She even has a few of them herself, but she's got really powerful protection spells guarding them so nobody but her can use them."
"She's right on both accounts," Neila smiled. "But you'll be the one to use this crystal to capture your sister."
"All right," Ezekiel nodded. He looked over the remaining Order members, sizing them up, since he didn't know them personally, even if he had heard of them, thanks to Aleena's descriptions of them in a letter she wrote him. His gaze finally fell on Greylock. "How about you come with me? And as we wait for Sandra, you can tell me about yourself, and everyone in our happy little group. I know you introduced yourselves at the party, but I think that was it before we knew what was going on."
"All right," Greylock agreed. He turned to Neila before he and Ezekiel walked away. "We'll be back soon, my lady, hopefully with our prisoner, and we can continue our attack."
Author's Notes
Thanks to Niagara14301 for helping with some details in this chapter.
Thanks to sofia2017 planning for helping with some details in this chapter.
Sofia, Amber, James, and Sandra all received Hexley Hall uniforms in chapter 10 of my story The Hexley Hall Game Day challenge.
"Since you have the plague" is Orillian slang for "you're sick." It can refer to a cold or the flu.
Sandra's nickname of Sandra Underfoot is based on one of Arya Stark's nicknames, Arya Underfoot, from Game of Thrones.
Amber's memories of School Swap Day are from Princess Jade.
In chapter 17 of Niagara14301's Once Upon a Time in Enchancia, Candice got glasses; the fairies Neila talks about are, of course, Miss Flora, Miss Fauna, and Miss Merryweather.
Dream Crystals were first mentioned in chapter 31 of Niagara14301's Dorrie Book 2.
Ezekiel captured his family in chapter 5 of my story The Rise and Fall of Eze Gray. While Robert, Patricia, and Zoe were captured and placed under a spell, Sandra had escaped a few chapters back.