Chapter 8: Denial

"You are now 'the lost'."

The old woman paused to drink a sip of what one could only assume was tea, and Sofia practically fell off the edge of her seat waiting for the elderly lady to continue. "People from Friezenburg have been disappearing for generations, yes. They told us it was the mountains; that they were taken by beasts, that the lost had a sickness and simply disappeared. Sometimes whole villages would disappear; afflicted by a mysterious plague that no one had ever seen and never spread. The war, my young ones, was just another excuse. One of so many, for so long."

Birk's eyes grew wide and he clenched his fists into balls. "Please continue Martha, I need to know what you know."

"My husband, and all of your companions too, they were but a small fraction of those who were lost in the war. There were stories, so many stories, of soldiers carting off women, and children as well. Anyone who was old enough to labor. We were told they all died in the war. But you are here, and my husband is here. Which means the other's may be alive too somewhere beyond the sea."

The elderly lady leaned in and spoke with a clear voice. "They're coming for you. They don't want anyone to know. They don't want us to know that we're being stolen. That the war was just an excuse. They'll try to take your family too, for there can be no witnesses."

Sofia watched as Birk had a moment of existential clarity, and began nodding as the reality of what had transpired sunk in. The old lady went back to tending the kitchen fire, and Sofia leaned in toward her dad. "Papa, what does she mean with all this?"

His face was stern. She'd never seen him with that expression before, and didn't know if it was an often occurrence. He finally spoke, "It means that the King of Friezenburg is selling his own people into slavery, and convincing the rest of the populous that they simply died or disappeared." Sofia couldn't mask the look of horror on her face. How was that even possible? How could Hildegard's father conceivable be responsible for an atrocity of this magnitude?

Sofia shot up from the kitchen table furious, "How could this happen! I can't… I can't even believe it's true."

Birk grabbed her hand, calming Sofia a bit. "Sweet pea, our release and return from Maldoina is a threat to the Sovereigns of Friezenburg. If everyone knew that their family members were being sold off it would create panic, chaos, and massive unrest. There is no way to tell who actually died and who was stolen. They wanted us to disappear again, before the people realize what is happening."

Birk started shaking his head as more realizations came to him. "It all makes sense, every single man in that prison was a peasant from some far-flung village where no one would question that they simply died in the war. They never interrogated us, never asked what we were doing fighting for Friezenburg, many had never even taken up arms in the conflict, and they were simply snatched from their homes. Those Maldonian troops put us to work in the mine immediately. We were the labor, that's all we ever were."

They heard a small clattering and jumped. It was the elderly Daniel; he had finally awoken and begun shuffling toward the kitchen. This man had seen way too many winters to fight or to return to the mines. Martha turned to address the weary travelers, "I wish you luck, but my husband is too old to help you anymore."

Birk rose to object, but the old woman put her foot down. "Now if they take him they will kill him, and they will probably kill me too, but he will not survive with you either." She turned to her husband, who had shuffled up next to her. "Where do you want to die beloved?"

He smiled at her, revealing but a few gnarled teeth left in his mouth, "With you my dearest."

It was touching, if incredibly sad. Birk nodded and pulled Sofia toward the door and out into the breaking dawn. Minimus had utilized their prolonged pause in the form of a nap and was quietly dozing outside.

"Good luck Birk, good luck Blessed Sorceress."

Sofia started to cry as they flew back toward the forest cottage. Birk hugged her tightly and tried to comfort his weeping daughter. "You've done a great thing Sofia, never doubt that."

Between the tears she tried to respond to his ministrations, "But Papa, I've started a WAR, and people are going to get hurt. It's all my fault."

He shook his head and stroked her head to console her, "No sweet pea, you've opened our eyes, all our eyes, to the great injustice happening all around us. You remember the song little Mary was singing yes?" Sofia nodded. "When I grew up I had always heard stories about 'the lost'. How they would wander into the mountains. We weren't supposed to go in there, or we too would be forever lost. I did go though, and I went often. Never did I see a lost soul. There's nothing in those mountains except abandoned cottages from many, many years ago. Probably from before all this started. The lost were stolen and sold to Maldonia as slaves. I'd bet you a shekel that's where all that wealth you were talking about your princess friend possessing came from. This land could never yield crops or herds, only people grow in the fields below the forbidden forests of the mountains."

They landed at the cottage in the woods, and found that several of the men from nearby villages had already arrived.

Birk turned to Sofia. "Sweet pea you need to go home to Enchancia."

"Absolutely not. I can't leave you Papa, it's dangerous and you could get hurt."

"Exactly. This could get ugly. We won't go quietly back into servitude, and I don't want you entangled. As more people realize what's happened things are going to get messy. I don't need you involved in this."

Sofia refused his entreats. It was antithetical to her nature to abandon anyone in dire need, and this was her Papa. But he could never let her stay and fight. They went around in circles until Birk hit on an idea.

"Fine Sofia. I'll tell you what. You KNEW what was going on because you overheard that 'Prince Hugo' fellow talking about it. If you go back to Enchancia you will be able to hear what's being planned from their perspective. IF you do hear anything else, and only IF, then you can come back to this cottage and tell me. Don't go running off into battle, and don't do anything foolish, okay? I'll make arrangements for you to be notified if anything happens to me, so don't worry needlessly."

She looked at him with doubt in her eyes, but he stood firm before her. He was trying desperately to protect her, and she needed to honor his wishes.

"Okay Papa, but can I keep the map you drew?" He nodded and handed her the parchment. She hugged him and refused to let go. If something bad happened she may never hold him again. The thought of mourning his death a second time stole the strength from her legs and his hug was all that held her upright. He started to sign to brighten her spirits and stiffen his resolve. Several of the men gathered round him taking in the words and the revelations of earlier made their way through the crowd.

These lives were stolen, one and all
. . . . Our pasts taken, now futures found
We hear now freedoms blessed call
. . . . The horn of revolutions sound

It summons us to fight this fiend
. . . . Do battle with what wronged us so
That other's will not suffer tiend
. . . . Bondage our kin will cease to know

Daylight streams across barren land
. . . . Another chance to meet our fates
Before their might we all shall stand
. . . .Confront their callous hearts of hate

For we all know our motives' true
. . . . And in the end we shall prevail
We'll hold the line and make them rue
. . . . Their wealth will be of no avail

For we shall slave no more!
For we shall slave no more!
For we shall slave no more!

Birk had whipped up a frenzy in the other men, who began chanting the last lyrics of his motivational song as they pounded their fists together. Sofia held him tightly, trying desperately to think of a solution as Birk tried to cajole his daughter back onto the horse. "Go sweet pea. You are exhausted, and this battle isn't yours to fight. Go back to Enchancia and to your family who loves you."

That was it! If she could convince her stepfather that the prisoners weren't criminals they could potentially seek refuge in Enchancia. She had to try, but then again there was Lucinda and Rolland's decree. Resolved to figure out a solution she reluctantly let go. Minimus took off, glad to be heading away from a conflict for once and Sofia watched her father fade from sight behind the trees. If she could somehow convince Rolland to harbor the prisoners without revealing her intimate involvement everyone would be safe, and if she couldn't convince him… then as a princess she had unfettered access to those in power and could glean information as it came. Hugo would know what the kings of Maldonia and Friezenburg were planning, and if something big came up Hugo was sure to spill everything to Sofia in a vain attempt to win her affections.

She had a plan, but it was built on uncertainty. Sofia was never that good at subterfuge; the only secret she'd managed to keep from her parents was the Amulet's power. A raging sea of uncertainty and muddled thoughts churned inside her as the sturdy purple steed carried her back home. Perhaps a much-needed nap would clear her mind, as the tiredness was overwhelming and it took all her effort not to fall of the horse for the long ride back to Enchancia.

…

Upon returning to the castle and trudging back into her room Sofia found Wormwood on her bed waiting. Somehow she managed to avoid detection yet again. Apparently Clover and the raven had been fighting with each other all night. It was mid morning and breakfast had long since past but Sofia was so tired she simply stripped her dirty, ash-covered green dress off and let it crumple in a pile on the floor. She fell into her bed, completely ignoring Wormwood's protestations. The bird stopped squaking and flew off while Sofia passed out immediately under the sheets.

Not ten minutes later there was pounding on her door. Sofia was still out cold and didn't hear it. She did hear someone yelling at her bedside, and rose up out of the covers to respond.

"What… what?"

She yawned and sat upright to see Cedric standing there, looking like his head was going to explode in shock. Sofia rubbed her eyes to alleviate some of the pain at their being forced open. "What is it Mr. Cedric? I'm so tired. Come back later." She slumped down onto the bed again; too exhausted to cover herself she passed out laying there, the top half of her body exposed.

Sofia awoke after lunchtime. She looked around and saw no one was in her room except for the snoozing furball known as Clover curled up on the opposite pillow. He'd probably been up all night too waiting for her. Sofia looked down and noticed her blankets were around her waist and she wasn't wearing a nightshirt. WAIT. Cedric had come into her room at some point and was yelling at her. Oh Merlin, no wonder his head looked like he was going to explode. She flew to her closet, flung her normal purple dress on and raced up the steps to his tower.

Knocks on his door went unanswered, but instead the door creaked open. He'd forgotten to lock it. "Oh Mr. Cedric. I need to apologize. Please can I come in."

The sorcerer was nowhere to be seen, however his trusty raven was circling above. The bird let out a series of caws and landed on a pedestal set atop the table nearest where she stood.

"Hi Wormwood, did Mr. Cedric come back? I think he came to talk to me but I was too tired to respond."

"You gave him the fright of his life last night princess, disappearing like that from the party and then you were out all night. He searched the grounds frantically for you, then made up some excuse to your parents, like he always does." Sofia felt awful. She'd inadvertently made Cedric lie about her whereabouts, again. The raven looked at her sideways, "The next time you get the urge to run off in the middle of the night don't. I had to spend the whole evening waiting for you."

"Sorry Wormwood." She tried to stroke the raven's feathers, but he scoffed and backed away. He was peeved at her too apparently.

"So where were you Princess? Cedric came running back up here this morning and bolted straight into his bedchambers. Didn't even stop to pet me."

She must have shocked her poor sorcerer with the impropriety displayed earlier. "I'm really sorry Wormwood. I probably startled him."

"Hmph" was all the raven uttered, and with that he returned to preening, as if Sofia's presence no longer interested him in the slightest.

She stood there trying to decide if she should go into Cedric's personal chamber to apologize for disappearing again when half of the sorcerer's face appeared from behind the curtain blocking view of his bedroom door. More of him became visible as he peered out from behind the curtain at her. He wasn't wearing his robe or vest and he looked a bit disheveled for it being mid-day, with hair messed and his shirt hanging loose over his pants. He just stood there, staring at her.

"Hi Mr. Cedric." She gave him a smile but he just stared at her strangely. Sofia regrouped and tried again.

"I'm sorry I was out so late last night, I didn't mean to make you worry."

He didn't say anything, but he did give a little nod to acknowledge the apology. He was still hiding most of his body behind the curtain, a very strange thing and most atypical for him to do.

"Are you okay? Why are you still standing over there near your bedroom?"

He looked his clothes over and proceeded to pat himself down, as if to make sure his garments were on straight and walked over to where she stood. He must have been taking a nap and quickly dressed when he heard her enter the workshop, yes that must be it, although he typically didn't take naps.

He stopped and stood in front of her, looking down at her dress. "Are you really okay Mr. Cedric?"

He still wasn't talking, only nodding again. She needed to make the apology a little clearer, hopefully then he'd snap out of it. He looked flush, as if all the blood had drained from his already pale face.

"Mr. Cedric I'm sorry I took off last night but I'm not planning on doing it again for a while so you can relax."

He took in a huge gulp of air, then nodded again. He looked almost… guilty of something. Well, he should probably have been working instead of taking a nap after all.

"So, are we okay?"

"Yes." It squeaked out of him and he grabbed at his undone bowtie. "Ahem. Yes, I'm okay Sofia."

She smiled at him warmly and he broke out in an extremely silly grin.

She looked over at his potions table but unlike usual there was no simmering brew. "So what potion are you working on today Mr. Cedric?"

"Uh… Well actually I'm not. Wait! I've got wee little present for you somewhere in this mess. Hold still Princess."

He was rummaging around amongst the clutter on his desk, and papers went flying. That was a little strange, considering she'd just cleaned his workshop a couple days prior. Why had it gotten so messy so fast?

"Mr. Cedric, is everything okay? Your workshop was clean wasn't it?"

He turned away. "It's been a rather tumultuous couple of days, wouldn't you agree princess." She couldn't argue that point. "Triton's turnips where did it go?" He was under the desk and beakers were falling. She reached out and caught several before the crashed down on his head and backside.

"Watch out Mr. Cedric, or I'll be the one undoing the lizard transformation."

A huge smile broke out on his face at the memory of her first day as his apprentice, and she giggled a bit. "You really are the kindest Sofia. Most chide me or abandon me for the way I am, but not you. Never you. You are truly special, aren't you?"

"Aww Mr. Cedric, you're the best! Don't mention it!"

She set the beakers down and he continued searching for whatever it was. It was very sweet of him to be making her presents, but completely the opposite reaction to the scolding she was expecting. "Mr. Cedric you don't have to keep giving me gifts. I'm still wearing the beautiful silver star pin you gave me yesterday, see?"

"Yes. I... um... noticed this morning." He turned ever so slightly and was looking at her again through the corner of his eye.

Oops. He'd seen it all.

"Sorry about that Mr. Cedric but you know YOU came into my room uninvited."

He turned positively crimson at her words and tensed up. "Yes well, I didn't really think beautiful young maidens actually pranced around undressed in their bedchambers."

"Hey, I don't prance! Well at least not this morning. I was sleeping."

Cedric broke out in a fit of coughing and turned away so she couldn't see his face. "Indeed, but you know you should be more careful about that. It's a castle with a hundred occupants, anyone could come walking in."

"Yes Mr. Cedric." Sofia was lucky, considering all the things he could be yelling at her for this was an extremely mild scolding.

He opened another drawer and a grin passed his lips. "A-ha! Here it is!"

He drew a small circular object from his desk drawer and gave it to her. It was golden and covered in crimson spots, almost like an ornate chicken's egg. "Hold this in your hands and breathe slowly onto it."

Sofia made a tiny hole in between her palms and blew on the egg. Magic exploded, and a tiny bird no larger than a farthing red as blood sprung forth.

"Oh Mr. Cedric it's amazing and so adorable! What is it?"

"It's a phoenix. It signifies rebirth. You just gave it the breath of life. She's yours now."

*squeak squeak* The tiny phoenix clawed at her hand ever so slightly, then settled back down.

"Wow. Thank you so much, but why Mr. Cedric? I don't feel like I deserve any gifts right now."

He stood there looking at her solemn expression; he was clearly pleased with himself that she'd enjoyed the magic so much if a little disturbed at her words.

"Nonsense Sofia, you deserve nice things and… perhaps you've helped me see that there are better things in this world than power, much more beautiful things."

"AWW Mr. Cedric!"

She set the tiny bird down on the table next to Wormwood and hugged the sorcerer about his midsection. He seemed to know just what to say to brighten her day, even if it was never his real intention. He returned the gesture, pulling her tight to his frame. Unlike usual he didn't let go after a minute and make a sarcastic comment about her bounding off to do princess things.

"Mr. Cedric you're still hugging me, are you sure you're okay?" He gripped her just a little tighter.

"I suppose they are rather more pleasant than I'd realized, and your hair does smell nice, if a little... um... smoky?" He didn't seem mad at her anymore for the prolonged absence, and a bit of triumph came to Sofia. She'd finally made Cedric realize the value of a good hug. Considering all the dejection of earlier it was a welcome salve for her troubled soul.

Suddenly a large rumble came from Sofia's stomach. "Merlins' mushrooms Sofia when was the last time you ate?"

She'd been had. "Um… I ate… when did I last eat? Hmm…" oh yeah. She'd had some stale bread that passed for breakfast in Friezenburg as the sun rose, but she couldn't exactly tell him that. She just smiled, but he furrowed his brows at her. She needed to distract him.

"Mr. Cedric will you have lunch with me in the garden?" The imminent scolding seemed to disappear from his countenance and his head bobbed to either side.

"I should say no, as I'm a very BUSY royal sorcerer after all and these potion requests won't brew themselves."

"Please Mr. Cedric."

"Oh alright then. You know I can't deny your requests my Princess. He he he…"

"Hooray! Wait, why are you laughing maniacally?"

A sly grin broke out across his face and he ran back into his bedchambers to recover the rest of his usual wardrobe.

A picnic basket was fetched from the kitchen containing an assortment of treats and two sandwiches. She'd pulled him in the characteristic way out of the shadows and into the sunlight. He'd been uncomfortable and they'd settled on the partially shaded gazebo as a compromise. He was relaying bits of the party she'd missed in between bites and while she was trying to pay attention her thoughts kept turning back to Friezenburg and her Papa's plight. She'd need to talk with Rolland after this meal and try to convince the King to shelter the rescued without revealing any of the particulars.

"Sofia were you listening to me?" She snapped back to reality, where a very disgruntled sorcerer was staring at her face.

"Oh, um yes of course I am Mr. Cedric."

"Hmmm… then what did I just say?" Oops. "Honestly Sofia what are you daydreaming about? You've not taken a bite of your sandwich even though YOU are the one supposedly hungry."

"Sorry Mr. Cedric." She stared down at her food, and it was true. She hadn't taken a bite. He set his own meal down and scooted a bit closer to her.

"You know you really can tell me what's bothering you. Perhaps I've a little spell that can solve all your troubles."

She looked up at his kindly face and smiled. He'd drawn his family wand and was waving it back and forth a bit as if to tease her. If only a spell could fix all of this mess. "That's sweet Mr. Cedric, but unless you can stop the king of Friezenburg from hurting his people with a spell I don't think it'll help."

The jovial mood her sorcerer friend wore melted away, and a serious pallor grew in its place. "Sofia I know it's upsetting to you that these men who rule over us could be involved in such dark things but this is the way they are, and I recall a certain little princess who didn't want me to go about changing it." He leaned in and gave her a knowing stare as he said it, then turned back to his sandwich. "I'm not Rolland's biggest fan after all. Not anymore." And with that he took a big bite.

Sofia looked down at her Amulet. Cedric had tried to take it before, under the presumption he needed it's power to change the world for the better. But it was the king of Friezenburg who was the bad guy, not her stepfather. Why would he assume Rolland was just as culpable?

"What did you hear Mr. Cedric?"

"Only that King Rolland brokered a deal between the warring royals to capture all those prisoners before they could spread harm throughout Friezenburg, and that Rolland was the 'genius' that suggested it. Honestly it wouldn't be that hard to think of, I don't know why he gets so much credit for even the tiniest of mental activities."

"But it's the king of Friezenburg who is the bad guy for wanting to hurt his people, Dad wouldn't be involved in anything like that. The prisoners could die." Sofia's was clenching her sandwich, the contradiction had come straight out but the idea was too close to her heart and worry to conceal it.

Cedric cocked his head to one side, "You're joking, is that it? Of course your father is intimately involved. He spent the whole of last night bragging about how he brokered this whole 'solution'? Don't you think he knew just how it was going to be solved?"

Sofia gasped. Rolland had told her he would find a solution, and he'd done just that. The witches from Maldonia and the troops from Friezenburg were working together, and her father was right in the middle of it all.

It stung. Everything Sofia knew of Rolland was that he was a kind and honorable man. He simply couldn't have known what was going to happen to the prisoners, could he?

"But Dad, he would have demanded a trial, or something like that, right Mr. Cedric? He wouldn't just condemn people to death or a lifetime of imprisonment."

"Silly girl, you're father wants to maintain the status-quo and dance off willy-nilly into the sunset filled with banquets and balls, just like the rest of those royals. Buuuut I guess that you're fond of the king, especially now that you're mother is expecting, so it's best to keep our attentions to more wonderful magics around us." He put his long fingers on top of hers and squeezed her fingers a bit but Sofia was lost in thought. Was Rolland one of the bad guys in all this?

Cedric motioned wildly to get her attention, then gestured toward her food which still sat uneaten. Sofia started to nibble, but she was still lost in thought. Could Rolland have really been involved? Could he have known about the cover-up? And if he did… did he know that Birk was one of the prisoners?

The thought echoed through her brain, refusing to leave. She had to find out how involved Rolland really was in all of this, how much he knew.

Cedric had started making sarcastic comments about Amber's behavior at the ball last night. She was particularly enamored with a chubby prince whose name escaped the sorcerer and James had spent the entire time with Zandar playing practical jokes on the staff. For someone who shied away from royalty Cedric seemed to observe every movement the twins made. The dialog provided some distraction to Sofia, until it turned to the topic of what became of her that evening.

Questions were asked of him, and feeling trapped Cedric had taken the opportunity to lie on Sofia's behalf, telling everyone Sofia had felt ill at the party and returned to her room to rest for the evening, to that end he had administered herbs for her comfort. He tossed the words of so nonchalantly, as if it didn't bother him in the slightest. It set Sofia on edge.

"Mr. Cedric."

"Hmmm.."

"How do I say this... It makes me a little uncomfortable that you're able to lie so easily to Mom and Dad."

An eyebrow rose, but he continued munching on his sandwich. An awkward silence filled the air as she waited for his response. She watched him watching her, and finally he set the sandwich down.

"But you still do like me though, despite the fact I can lie without turning green or spontaneously turning into a frog."

"Yes of course I still like you. We're having lunch aren't we?"

He picked the sandwich back up and continued eating it. "Well, I guess I'm practiced at it. Not everyone can be made of sunshine like you Sofia."

"Hey! Its just… do you still lie to me Mr. Cedric?"

He went silent and stopped eating.

"Mr. Cedric?"

He was staring down at his plate. "I try not to. Honestly princess for you I try. But you know, now that I think about it lies of omission are still lies, and I know a certain princess who keeps lots of secrets."

Oops. She'd walked right into this one.

"Oh."

He turned directly toward her and put a hand on either shoulder. "Are you going to tell me where you've been sneaking off to Sofia?"

He was staring straight at her now. He had her in the crosshairs. There was no to escape.

"I can't Mr. Cedric. I want to, but I can't."

"That's a contradiction and you know it. If you want to tell me something, then just go ahead and say it."

Could she tell him? He was so important to her and lying to him like this was tearing her apart, but then what if it got out that Lucinda was involved. What if… There were too many what ifs.

He seemed to pass out of anger into desperation. "Merlin's mushrooms girl, just tell me where you've been at all hours of the night."

She had to tell him but he was going to be so hurt that she'd been keeping secrets from him and running off into danger. He'd probably be fuming angry she'd been battling Amalthea.

"Mr. Cedric I… I want to tell you. It's just that I'm so conflicted. I know you're going to be upset with me, and I don't want to hurt you or make you upset. And if I tell you then Dad might find out and he might never forgive me. I'm just so… so… oh Mr. Cedric I just don't know what to do."

Cedric froze from his eyes to his fingers on her shoulders. After a minute small words drifted out of him, "You went off to see someone you shouldn't have, didn't you Sofia."

She could see how unnerved he was. Lying to him was off the table. It was now or never.

"Yes."

In an instant his arms retracted and he started to hunch over. He wasn't taking this well. "Wait Mr. Cedric, before you get upset just wait and listen to me. He's so important to me and I have to help him."

"HE!" Cedric shouted it as he stood.

The sorcerer shot up off the gazebo bench and walked off and breakneck speed. "Wait, Mr. Cedric!" He didn't stop and was out of the garden and around the corner in an instant. "

"No Mr. Cedric wait, I need to tell you what happened!" She started after him, and he vanished in a poof of green smoke.

Where had he gone? She scoured the gardens looking for him, but to no avail. Magic afforded him the ability to remain unseen if he wished it, and Sofia was at a loss for how to find him again.

Frantic gave way to dejection. She'd tried to come clean and for her effort alienated her dear mentor. This wasn't going well. Suddenly there was a stiff hand on her shoulder. She spun around hoping to see Cedric, but instead Baileywick stood before her. "Princess Sofia, your father requests your presence in the drawing room to discuss a serious issue."

Oh no. He must have found out.