A Magical Evening (Chapter 11)
"Cedric!" Sofia exclaimed as she stood over Cedric with her wand drawn. "As a princess of Enchancia, I'm placing you under arrest for treason against the kingdom!".
"Let's see you try it!" Cedric yelled as he quickly reached inside of his robe and produced a spare wand.
At that moment, Sofia's amulet started glowing brightly, surrounding her with a powerful magical barrier. Cedric raised his wand and fired at Sofia. As he fired a powerful beam of magical energy at Sofia, the magical barrier around Sofia glowed brightly. Suddenly, without warning, the magical barrier started sucking power out of Cedric through his wand. At that same time, Sofia was surrounded by a powerful blue glow. In a few moments, Cedric fell back, exhausted. The blue glow around Sofia then vanished, and the magical barrier around her dropped.
"What ... did ... you ... do?" Cedric asked Sofia in shock.
"My amulet punished you" Sofia answered. "It took away your powers ... and gave them to me. You will never hurt anybody again".
"My God!" Marla exclaimed in awe. "I always knew the Amulet of Avalor was powerful, but I never dreamed it was that powerful".
"Are you alright, Sofia?" Lucinda asked, concerned.
"I'm fine" Sofia assured Lucinda. "A bit tired, but fine".
King Roland and some guards raced up.
"Guards! Seize him!" Roland ordered as he pointed to Cedric.
The guards picked up Cedric and hustled him off to a jail cell inside the castle. Meanwhile, Miss Nettle was still trapped in the icy mass that Queen Elsa had put her in.
"You let me out of here this instant!" Nettle demanded.
"Not just yet" Elsa remarked. "There are those who have been looking for you for a few years now".
"Who are you talking about?!" Nettle snapped at Elsa.
"Three very angry headmistresses at Royal Prep" Elsa answered. "Turns out you've been quite the evil little fairy these past few years - using your powers for evil purposes, and continually trying to steal Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather's spell book. Well, they've finally had it with you. Once they arrive, you will be stripped of your powers, and taken back to Pixie Hollow to stand trial for your crimes. I understand Queen Clarion herself will preside over the trial".
Nettle went into shock over what awaited her.
"Surely, we can come to some sort of deal?" Nettle nervously offered.
"Oh, it's too late for that, Miss Nettle" Miss Flora said as she, Miss Fauna, and Miss Merryweather appeared out of nowhere.
"Mercy!" Nettle exclaimed in fright.
"Powers come, powers go" Flora said as she pointed her wand at Nettle. "Your powers are now gone, never to return".
A glow surrounded Nettle for a few moments, then faded away. Elsa then released Nettle from the icy mass.
"Come with us!" Merryweather snapped at Nettle. "And if you try anything funny - zap!".
"I'm going, I'm going" Nettle said in defeat.
Flora raised her wand. In a few moments, she, Nettle, Fauna, and Merryweather disappeared into thin air.
Elsa turned to Sofia and Lucinda. "I know what it's like to be labeled as different" Elsa started. "The two of you will always be welcomed in Arendelle. Feel free to visit anytime you like".
"Thank you, Queen Elsa" Sofia and Lucinda said gratefully.
Two weeks passed. The witches who had come to the aid of Enchancia Castle had been given special commendations for their service. All that was left was to honor three very special ladies.
On a parade ground in Enchancia, Sofia, Lucinda, and Marla stood. Behind them were the Knights of Enchancia. In front of them, King Roland stood on a platform. Behind Roland, a number of invited guests sat.
"Ladies and gentlemen" Roland started. "We are gathered here today to honor three ladies who showed exceptional bravery in the face of battle. These ladies are my daughter, Sofia; our royal sorceress, Lucinda; and Lucinda's mother, Marla. It is an honor and privilege to award to each of them the Shield of Valor".
Sir Bartleby walked up, and presented each with the Shield of Valor. Everybody gathered clapped for Sofia, Lucinda, and Marla.
That night at the castle, Sofia and Lucinda were in Sofia's bedroom getting ready for bed. In a few minutes, the two climbed into Sofia's bed.
"How are you feeling tonight, Sofia?" Lucinda asked.
"I'm doing okay" Sofia answered. "A bit sad, but okay".
"What's the matter, my precious Sofia?" Lucinda asked, concerned.
"Cedric's powers aren't the only thing I received two weeks ago" Sofia admitted. "I also received a copy of Cedric's memories. It's quite sad, actually. The man never thought he measured up. He tried and tried to measure up, but to no avail. His failures turned to anger, and led him in countless attempts to take over the kingdom. If I had known then what I know now, perhaps I could have helped him somehow".
"Sofia" Lucinda gently started, "you've always been a good person. That's one of the things I admire about you. But you mustn't blame yourself. Cedric had a choice as to what direction to take his life. He chose the dark path".
"Your right, of course" Sofia sadly said.
"Good night, Sofia" Lucinda said as she gently kissed Sofia.
"Good night, Lucinda" Sofia said as she returned the kiss.
The two then went to sleep for the night.
The past two weeks had been filled with activity. Cedric had been tried for his treason, and found guilty. He was sentenced to spend the rest of his life behind bars. Boswell was also tried for his role in Cedric and Nettle's attack on the castle, and was found guilty of conspiracy. Boswell was sentenced to spend a number of years behind bars. When his sentence was complete, he would be banished from Enchancia, never to return.
In Pixie Hollow, Miss Nettle was put on trial for her crimes. After a lengthy trial, Nettle was found guilty of using her powers for evil. But what to do with her? At one point, it had been suggested that Nettle be changed into a human and be forced to live a human life in exile, powerless. However, Nettle was still evil, and even as a human, she might find ways to inflict evil onto others. Queen Clarion decided to transform Nettle into a tree that would be placed in Pixie Hollow. Nettle would no longer be a threat to anyone.
This is not the end of this story. I will be writing more in regard to this story. There are, afterall, some loose ends that I want to tie up.