Clearing Hurdles
Part 1
This chapter will take place during "Just one of the Princes." Yes. This is going to be an insertion chappy. If you've read my fics before you know I have a bad habit of doing chapters like this. You don't like it, don't read it.
And also, I apologize again if I sounded agro in my previous Author's Note. But I stand by what I said. I appreciate the ideas you guys pitch. You can throw more my way. I liked the Whole New World idea. Just need to find the right situation for it.
One last thing, I will be including an old 90's cartoon character from an old TV show who - I am hoping - you all remember fondly. Here's a hint. He helps a witch, a half-elf, and a morty.
Let us continue onward!
...
Lydia's blank ocean blue eyes skimmed the contents of a letter Eezeyal snuck from Roland's room through a tunnel in the walls. Clover and Watnaught created them for ease of travel. As she read the letter, sent by King Abraham himself, Lydia's finger crinkled the page's side.
"So that's how it is..." She grumbled emotionlessly. Amidst the commotion, Lydia remembered Eezeyal wanted to tell her something. Now she wished she hadn't postponed the matter. Too bad her moral forbade her from wasting time to save Alauna.
King Abraham adamantly wished, in the letter, for Roland to - by her perception - bombard Lydia with the rules and traditions of Royalty. He believed firmly that - since Lydia was the eldest - that she should put aside her magic and put her royal duties first. The next part went on and on about the importance of State her position held. How detrimental it would be to Roland and Enchancia's reputations if Lydia "acted selfishly" and - as he so elegantly put it - "continued her foolish quest to wave a wand." King Abraham ended his argument by closing with a statement demanding Lydia be married by her 18th birthday. By November.
Last time Lydia checked the calendar...July was just around the corner. To be married in...one, two, four months? No magic in the world can make her fall in love that fast. "I don't suppose you know what Roland said in response." Eezeyal shook his head regretfully. If Roland did respond, it would be with King Abraham. "Not that it matters." Lydia rolled the parchment up. "Given the rigorous summarization I was given," He head pulsated just thinking about week one of her lessons, "And the lesson plans Baileywick bestowed upon me..." Her voice softened. Her head lowered somberly, "It's clear what his answer was..." She put the paper down, not wanting to damage it further before having it returned. Foolish quest to wave a wand, eh? Her mind growled. So he thinks I can't accomplish being both a Sorceress and A Princess? This lightened Lydia's sadness in regards to Roland. He gave no argument towards her work schedule. Does he believe in me? Or will it improve the reputation 'I' am supposed to uphold? Crimson red glided over her sharp orbs. Magic prickled her headband. She touched it, calming the flow.
"What'cha gonna do, Liddy?"
"I represent Dad, remember? Unfortunately my moral code won't allow me to purposefully jeopardize him."
"Moral Code?" Eezeyal scoffed obnoxiously. "Yew mean yer annoyingly loud Jiminy Cricket, right?"
"Yes, that." She laughed. She handed the parchment back. "Let's play King Abraham's game." She replied foxily. Eezeyal gasped in utter surprise. He ogled Lydia fretfully, wondering why "He hates being proven wrong." She purred, stroking Eezeyal's chin, "My greatest joy is deflating hot air."
Eezeyal let out an impish chuckle. "Don't I know it."
"Marriage? I doubt it. I'm not ready to be some spoiled prince's Trophy Wife." She circled her wand up her body, transforming the uniform into her Royal Gown. "But I will get ahold of this princess thing. How hard can it be?"
"Careful, Lydia..." He inadvertently glanced at her headband. "Remember what happened last time you were overwhelmed."
Lydia played with the headband. "I've come a long way since then. I can handle anything."
"I hope you're right." Eezeyal flew to her shoulder. "Nevertheless, I'll be right here by yer side th' whole way."
"Good." She nodded. "Now then..." She hugged her growling stomach, "Let's go get some dinner."
...
Weeks later...
Three marvelous weeks flew by before everyone's eyes. June came to a peaceful end, and July welcomed Enhancia with a cloudless, sunny morning. Villages across Enchancia were bustling with the laughter of their children splashing in nearby lakes, beating the famously merciless summer heat. A crisp, rejuvenating breeze welcomed all who exited their homes. The aroma of fresh grass and flowers tickled their noses. Who could ask for a better Sunday?
Lydia was in certainly in awe. She'd been living in the castle for a little over a month. She'd been with her Mother and Sister, no worries about leaving them once the summer ended. To add to the joy, she had another younger brother and sister, and she had someone to call father. A father - that is King - who held high expectations of her. Adjusting to royal life was no picnic. That month felt more like a year. Must be because of her busy schedule. Magic training, royal duties, and on top of that...she kept getting the strangest feeling. Like she's forgotten something important.
Oh well. She wasn't going to dwell on it. Today was a special occasion. Enchancia was, finally, hosting the greatest sport in all the world. THE FLYING DERBY RACES! A sport of great courage, skill, bravery, and featuring the fastest of the fast Pegasi to be bred. Riders were required to be fortified in mind, body, and spirit, facing obstacles impeding their Pegasi path, and clear the hurdles to the goal. Many riders fall, get hurt, or their horse simply tires. But what made the race so exciting were the countless tricks and maneuvers riders used in order to cross the finish line. IT WAS AMAZING! And to think the Royal Family was on their way to the track to watch the first race of the season.
Pegasi drew the Royal Carriage through the forest. Condensed tree tops protected them well from the glaring sunlight. Sofia and James were barely able to sit still they were so excited. The Flying Derby, in Enchancia, and it was only a horse ride away. Amber obsessively straightened and checked her tiara. She was startled when the wheels clattered loudly. The carriage was driving over a bridge. Roland and Miranda marveled at the crystal blue river below. Fish lunging, capturing bugs. Lilypads coasting aimlessly, carrying their froggy counterparts. Lydia, however, was oblivious to the gorgeous day. True she was gazing out to it. But her mind was lost in the vastness.
"Aren't you, Lydia?" Lydia subconsciously touched where the welt used to be. What is it... "Lydia? HEY!" A fan tapped her knee.
"Huh-What?" She jolted back to reality.
"Aren't you excited?" Amber fawned giddily. "Your first Royal appearance at a major sporting event."
Lydia chuckled lightly, leaning on the carriage sill, her thoughts pulsating in the back of her mind. "I guess." Lydia wasn't too - one would say - enthusiastic when it came to Royal Appearances. Whispers of her echoed from one end of the kingdom to the next. Baseless rumors. 'I heard she was declining the throne...She's the princess who lost to the sorcerer...It's said she consorts with animals.' Two out of three ain't bad. Regardless, Lydia almost forgot how hungrily Enchancia searched for subjects to gossip about.
Sofia jumped up and down in her seat. She kept climbing up to peer past the coachman, wondering if the next time she looks The Flying Derby will appear. "Ooh...I hope we're not late!" She bounced next to James.
"Same here. Baileywick's been working me like a dog. " Lydia slouched, sighing sullenly. Though Sunday, Lydia agreed to study with Baileywick until her spell books arrived. "I'd hate to be late and waste the first REAL day off I've had in weeks." She pulled out a white handkerchief, "I'm learning proper wrist motions." She sarcastically waved the handkerchief. "What's the point of this again?"
"A wish for safe return." Roland explained, making it sound more poetic than it actually was.
Lydia stared at the cloth unimpressed. I don't see how a handkerchief grants safe return. "Are we there yet?" She asked gruffly, wanting to be distracted from the meaningless gesture.
"We would already be there if AMBER didn't take so long getting ready." James criticized. Twins or not, James will never understand Amber's obsession with, well, herself.
"I had to find my Derby Tiara." She fixed the sport's tiara for the hundredth time. "That's the best part about Flying Derby. Everybody dresses up."
"The best part about Flying Derby is the race!" There was no possible way Sofia could describe her excitement. "It's my favorite sport in the whole kingdom."
"Sofia used to pretend our old mop was her flying horse." Miranda recalled fondly. "Lydia would make it fly all over the village, and to a swimming hole where they would play."
Roland laughed charmingly. "Sounds like you and Sofia had grand adventures, Lydia." Lydia hadn't heard him. Roland poked her shoulder, "Lydia?"
"Huh? Yeah?" She gawked blankly.
"Are you alright? You seem distracted."
Lydia didn't think it was that obvious. "Not really. I'm just...thinking…" She sighed, not taking her eyes off the flying crows. Huh...For some reason she thought they would turn and fly at her. "Have I forgotten something?" She asked out of the blue.
"Your Tiara." Amber answered. "You really should consider wearing it more often."
"No. No. Not like that." Besides, she traded the Elven Tiara for another of similar style. When she sweats the tiara would slip and bother her. The new one sat on the head rather than the forehead.
"Like what, then?" Miranda wondered.
"I don't know." Lydia hid her growing frustration. "A birthday? An anniversary? Anything super significant?"
"Umm...I don't think so." Miranda took a minute to think. "Did you feed Eezeyal?"
"Before we left."
"Polish your beakers and other parts to your magic set?" Roland added.
"Did that three days ago."
"Bring your wand?" The three children chimed in. Lydia pulled it out of her blazer. The trip shrugged.
"Then we can't think of anything." Miranda replied apologetically.
Lydia scratched her head confusedly. "I just...can't shake the feeling that I'm forgetting something."
…
Clouds of discolored smoke seeped out of Cedric's tower window. Aggressive zaps quaked the flimsy shutters. Bright flashes flared every few seconds. Guards below worried if Cedric blew himself up again. The shutters burst open, echoing fits of crazed laughter. The Guards were ready to call up to him. Then thought about it for a second and continued on their way.
Whirlwinds of glitter washed over the spherical walls. The thick cloud of smoke joined the glitter, crackling with lightning, obscuring the floating irrigation of caludrons pouring in a ground built basin. Cedric unrelentingly cackled. He circled his wand, controlling the flow of positions and smoke. The concoction boiled in the ground, bubbling searing orange ooze riddled with bits of coal and leaves. Holes collapsed the thick vat, then big bubbles reemerged and burst with sweet smelling steam.
"FINALLY! IT IS FINISHED!" Cedric slammed the hatch closed. The glitter cloud turned to dust and dropped. "My greatest creation yet!" Cedric stamped the floor twice. A high pressure vacuum absorbed the dust in the cracks. A clean sparkle returned to his workshop.
Wormwood coughed up puffs of glittery dust. "I've done it, Wormwood!" Wormwood grumbled, not caring as there was dust in his beak. "Thanks to my new self heating cauldron, my workshop will smell Ocean Breeze fresh all year round!" Wormwood sarcastically circled a wing in cheer. A paper ball bounced off his beak. "Oh hush! I would have thought you of all people would be pleased! With Lydia indisposed I finally had time to finish this. You don't smell the droppings left by Princess Sofia's animal friends." Wormwood shrugged. That was a good point.
"I'm telling you, Wormy, it's been heavenly not being hovered by that wee sorceress. I've come up with ten plans to swipe Sofia's amulet. The only hard part is deciding which one is the perfect plan." Wormwood cawed heatedly, flapping roughly. He soared to Cedric's desk and scooped up a familiar looking feather. "What? The owl? Pfft! Don't be such a worrywort. That bird will be too busy focusing on Lydia to notice me." Wormwood growled. Cedric sighed agitatedly. "YES, I am aware he is her eyes and ears, and that he's resourceful. But he's not stupid enough to challenge us both without his master backing him up." Wormwood wouldn't put it past Eezeyal. He's done crazier things. "Besides, even if he does manage to spark the tiniest bit of memory…" He pinched a chain around his neck, "They'd just return to this." A crystal white vial dangled at the end. Flowing spiritual ribbons spiraled narrow vial. Wormwood closed one eye, leaning in close. He squawked shockingly. Distorted figures of Cedric, Lydia, and Eezeyal were trapped in the ribbons. "Memories. Such a precious commodity."
...
A nagging feeling gnawed at Lydia's mind. Was she forgetting something? Did she not complete one of her Royal Duties? Maybe she forgot to study a certain spell? No that's not it. There was something. But what? What is it? She thought. Why do I feel this way? She told herself she was being silly. Yet - whenever she touched the back of her head - she felt as if this giant hole would appear. Could it have something to do with what Eezeyal said?
Flashback
Three weeks ago was when it all became weird. Bottles on the desk were pushed aside. A pair of hands pressed on the open place. Lydia, leaning in as close as she could to the mirror, studied the sore welt blemishing her forehead. She poked at it dumbly, wondering if an answer to what it was would arise through the pain. The only thing that arose was a headache on top of the one that she had.
"Ugh...How the heck did I get this?"
Eezeyal was perched off to the side, eyes ogling Lydia sadly. "I'll get tuh tha' later." Eezeyal bore a hateful glare at the welt. "I can't believe he would do somethin' like this to ya, Liddy."
Lydia sighed, rolling her eyes. There he went again. "For the last time, Ezee, Cedric didn't do anything! He has no reason to."
"Tha's jus' it! He DID have a reason!" He flapped a fervent wing, "That welt sticking out of yer head is downright proof!"
Eezeyal was adamant that Cedric 'altered' her memory. Made her forget what horrible and diabolical man he was. All so he could...steal Sofia's amulet. Pfft! Ye-ha right! Cedric can barely walk down a hallway let alone steal a seven year old's necklace. Yet Lydia was expected to believe Cedric - what did he do again? - Put the whole castle asleep in order to take it? That was too elaborate for someone wearing a bathrobe.
Lydia pinched his beak closed. "This is getting ridiculous! I get Cedric is snarky, obnoxious, and suffocating to be around." Eezeyal was slightly releived to hear she hadn't forgotten that. "But you're turning him into a tacky, cliche, cartoon villain. Cedric is not out to - What was it again?"
"Take li'l Sofie's amulet and take over this entire kingdom. Maybe the three next door."
"Yeah that." It sounded even more ridiculous the second time. Although...Lydia had to admit...it sounded oddly familair. "Cedric's the Royal Sorcerer. His job is to stand by the king. Not dethrone him."
"Lydia, ya need to listen to me!" Eezeyal gripped her arm roughly. She winced. The talons poked holes in her blazer. "Cedric wants yer sister's amulet, and he wants the kingdom! He wants to rule this land with an iron fist! He's tried tuh kill you before tuh do it!"
Lydia's heard enough. She ripped Eezeyal off, smashing him on his perch. She rose to her feet, putting her hands to her hips. "Why would he want to kill me?" She dared him to answer. "And even if he has," She prodded her head, "Why don't I remember?"
Eezeyal was stuck there. He knew how all of this sounded. The Royal Sorcerer - the left hand of the king - was being accused of treason. Lydia learned the hard way, years ago, that baseless allegations can ruin a reputation for life. Far worse than allegations that hold merit. Lydia was going to need cold hard proof before she accepted Eezeyal's words. That proof is in her head. Somewhere.
Flashback End
Why can't I remember? Those words constantly rang throughout her mind. Like a bell begging for it's purpose to be realized. On top of that, Lydia felt a twinge of guilt for doubting Eezeyal. If he was lying, she wouldn't be dwelling on their conversation so much. Lydia touched her pounding head. The welt was gone, leaving no bruise to raise worry with her family. If only she could diminish her own unease. Why can't she remember? Was there even something to remember? It certainly felt like it. Yet there wasn't. If that's the case, why does she get a nauseating knot in her stomach whenever she thinks about Cedric? 'Does it have something to do with Cedric?'
"Well even if you don't wear the tiara, you already possess the Royal Flare." Amber flipped her hair. "Not as impressive as mine, but you are - again - a very strong second." Lydia snak, laughing half heartedly. Yet another subconscious compliment/insult by Princess Amber. "And good choice sticking with the uniform. Now everyone will definitely know the Sorceress Princess has come to watch." Amber announced with such grandeur she was glowing. You'd think she was praising herself.
"The same Sorceress Princess you believed to be a liar?" Amber and James shrank at her raised brow. "At least Sofia had faith that I followed Alauna's instructions." Sofia diverted her attention awkwardly. She wasn't going to get involved. Lydia lied about using magic while her arm was hurt in order to protect Alauna. Rose thorns were put in the vat. By Cedric. Without realizing she was allergic. A stupid prank war.. Hmm. Why doesn't that sound right? Lydia drew her wand, aiming it between James and Amber, "I should turn you both into newts for such a lack of faith!"
"W-well you said..." James tugged nervously at his collar.
"And then you admitted-and-and-and-" Amber's words tripped over themselves.
Lydia raised a scowling brow. Magic gathered at the tip. James and Amber took deep breaths, "WE'RE SO SORRY! PLEASE DON'T TURN US INTO NEWTS!"
"Whoa-whoa! Calm down!" Lydia put her wand away. "I'm not."
"Then why…" James trailed off, motioning a finger to his face to address the frightening scowl on Lydia's.
Lydia crossed her legs, smirking impishly, "Did Sofia fail to mention my charming sense of humor?"
"I thought it'd be best if they witnessed it for themselves." Sofia grinned as innocently as she could.
"Charming? Try evil!" James shuddered. "Geeze." He sank deep in the seat.
Lydia laughed behind a hand. "Sorry." Her smile gradually faded. She gazed to the scenery at her side, watching it idly pass by. Thick, brown trunks whisking hypnotically by. The fun she had with her siblings wasn't powerful enough to quell that nagging sense.
"Try not to think about it, sweetheart." Miranda hugged an arm to her shoulders. "It'll come to you. Maybe while we're watching the flying derby races."
"Oh I won't be thinking about anything else while that's going on." She immediately beamed at imagining the horses whisking by her. "I haven't seen a Flying Derby Race in two years. Nothing will keep me from enjoying it." They were crossing over a bridge when she peered over. "Except this coach if we don't go just a wee bit faster."
Sofia cupped her hands to her parents, "Can we go any faster? I don't wanna miss anything."
"Please, Dad!" Lydia hugged his arm. Both she and Sofia batted their big eyes. Roland laughed. He was defeated by their charm.
"Coachman!" Roland haled. "Better take the high road."
"Yes, Your Majesty." The coachman snapped the reins. The Pegasi trotted to a run, spread their wings, then climbed high into the sky. Lydia and Sofia watched awestruck as the green valley passed beneath them. The Flying Derby now only minutes away.
...
A little waterfall filled into a crystal clear pond. Lilies blooming on bushes, providing buzzing bees with pollen for their honey. Green grass and trees shadowed overhead. Little fish and frogs swam happily in the cool shade. Eezeyal observed on high on a branch. Normally he'd be trying to snatch up one of those fish. He was too distracted. Nothing in the world was making sense.
Lydia's mind - conscious memory shrouded by shadows and locked far within the recesses of her subconscious. "I should've predicted something like this happening." Eezeyal cursed himself. "Why didn't I anticipate this?"
Flashback
"Can I ask one more thing?" Lydia demanded heatedly.
"Yeah..." Eezeyal's voice cracked.
"Say Cedric is evil," She doubted with air quotes, "Why wouldn't I go to dad? Or warn Sofia?"
"Because you know better than anyone, forcing the hand of a sorcerer is dangerous." He saw a hint of belief sparkle in her eye. "Cedric has chosen to plot in secret. Launch attacks when people are vulnerable rather than face them head on. But the night you forced his hand he almost killed you and Sofia."
Lydia touched a hand to her aching heart. "He's tried to kill Sofie?" Her eyes shifted. There was a hint of familiarity in her expression. "He's tried to kill me twice? But...I only remember the duel. When he dropped me from thousands of feet in the air."
Eezeyal found this good. Lydia clearly remembers the duel, and bumping into Cedric in the hallway upon entry. He wondered what else she remembered. Were this an amnesia charm, Lydia wouldn't recall her own name let alone anyone else's. A more clever and dastardly spell was used. "You trust me? Right? Believe in me unconditionally?"
Lydia was shocked by the questioned. The anger she felt dissipated. "Of course!" She was appalled her debating caused him to doubt that.
"I've never lied to you?"
"Never." She looked him in the eye.
Eezeyal bowed, feeling the devotion pour from her voice. "Then I need ya tuh do me a favor." Lydia nodded obediently. She'd do anything to restore his faith. Eezeyal motioned a wing. Lydia took a seat. Eezeyal perched to her knees. His knit brow forced her to look him dead in the eye. "Sofia's amulet. What is it?" Lydia shook her head, not understanding the question. "You said you trusted me. Now answer the question! What is the amulet she wears? What does it do?"
Lydia swallowed nervously. eezeyal scared her when he took charge. "The...Amulet of Avalor. It allows her to talk to Clover and other animals."
"What is the Rune of the amulet?"
"W-with each deed performed, for better or worse, a power is granted - a blessing or curse."
"Yay or nay: Sofia knows of your earrings?"
"Yes! Yes! Sofia knows what the Earrings of Thornberry can do!" Eezeyal was throwing questions left and right at such a blurring speed she felt them strike her like fists. Lydia thought her chair would tip over.
"Name the creepiest thing Cedric did to ya?"
"Kiss my hand-LOOK!" She stopped him with a raise of her palms. "What is the point of any of this?"
"To see if you've forgotten anything else important!"
Lydia released an impatient groan. "I'm telling you, I haven't forgotten anything!"
"We'll see..."
Eezeyal pulled no punches when it came to Lydia's safety. He was going to keep hammering until the wall Cedric constructed shattered. "Close yer eyes." Lydia arched a curious brow, then closed her eyes. Eezeyal didn't care if she was annoyed.
Flashback End
"It ain't amnesia..." Eezeyal was confident of that. "More like...selective memory..." This made Eezeyal think. A selective memory spell? Eezeyal's never heard of such a spell. That's another advantage Cedric and Wormwood possessed in their arsenal. Age and experience. They had knowledge of spells Lydia and he didn't know existed. Which only made the owl worry sickly for Lydia.
Creaking cacophonous carriage wheels rolled thunderously across stone. Neighs of tired horses startled the lamenting owl. He moved branches out of his line of sight. Crossing the palace bridge was a rickety - in process of refurbishing - Shipping Carriage. Crisp tarp blanketed the cargo, anchored firmly by rope and nails. Nature was merciless to the covering. Top notch stuff. Didn't fray, rip, or anything. Eezeyal flew over, perching to the top of the large mass of items, curious of what could be being delivered.
It was a little early in the day to receive mail. "WAIT!" Eezeyal completely forgot. Today was Sunday. A majority of mail and deliveries arrived on Sundays. Sometimes Tuesday - depending on the weather. Which meant... "Liddy's new training books are in here! YES!" There may be hope after all.
...
Trumpets sounded the arrival of Roland and the Royal Family. A steward for the race escorted them to their seats in the Royal's box. Ooh's and ah's rumbled from the crowd. Fascinated fingerssurreptitiously bounced from Sofia to Miranda to Lydia. Gossip of how lovely they looked, a few words of disappointment, and maybe one or two words about how shameful Lydia's attire was. Thankfully Baileywick is a well accomplished teacher in "The Art of Ignoring Propaganda."
Miranda and Lydia were seated on either side of Roland in the upper level of the Spectator's Wing. Sofia, Amber, and James sat on the lower level seats, closer to the racing track. Sofia was ready to jump down to track and ride a horse, she was so excited.
A second set of trumpets blared, announcing the beginning of The Flying Derby Race. Sofia giggled excitedly, dancing in her seat. ""We're just in time! The race is about to start!"
The horses took their stations. The riders tightened the reins, bolstered their footholds, and waited anxiously for the bells. The referee raised his arms. He watched the riders get set. DING-DING-DING! And they were off! Expedient hooves trampled the ground, wafting up dust! Wings beating against the air! Strong legs running on the wind! The pegasi flew through shaped hoops clearing them flawlessly. They veered the first turn, hugging the sharp curve that threatened to toss them to the crowd of trees.
Sofia hugged grasped the booth wall, jumping her small body up and down, shouting cheers for the leading red horse to go faster. Lydia was squeezing the chair arms, stamping her feet, cheering on the brown horse. Roland and Miranda were only able to laugh. Sofia and Lydia - years apart - were like twins.
"LOVING IT!" She swooned. "Back at school we had creatures called Hippogriffs living on the grounds. They were just like a Pegasus. Only faster and half bird."
"They sound interesting." Roland leaned on arm, engrossed in her tale.
"Oh they are! Temperamental." Lydia sighed dreamily, throwing her head back, "But you will never experience true flight until you ride one."
"You sound as if you miss the school."
"I do...and I don't. That's the same with any kid in school."
"True. No words can express how relieved I was to leave Popov's class. But I do miss Mrs. Higgins."
"Who's that?"
"The librarian of Royal Prep. Nice woman. Best tasting muffins in the kingdom."
Lydia wanted to meet this woman. She loved muffins. She loved baking. There is another passion of hers. Her inner mischief maker was debating whether it would be funnier to TELL Roland, or just drop it on him like a sack of potatoes. It's not exactly a common practice by women.
The crowd burst into roaring cheers. All eager eyes glued the track. "AND EL ROJO TAKES THE LEAD WITH NIGHT BEAUTY HOT ON HIS TAIL!" Lydia flew to the wall, leaning as far over as she could. "OH! WHAT'S THIS? CHOCOLATE RAIN IS PULLING PAST DIABLO AND ANGELA!"
Lydia and Sofia cheered the loudest. "Look at 'em go, Lydia!"
"I see!"
"GO, ROJO!"
"KEEP IT UP, RAIN!"
"LISTEN TO THE PRINCESSES CHEER ON THEIR FAVORITES! YOU HEARD 'EM HORSIES! MOVE! MOVE! MOVE!" Sofia and Lydia giggled. Somewhere they learned princesses must uphold a level of decorum...and be impartial. But how can anyone expect that from the biggest Derby Fans in the known world?
"You know, guys," James grabbed both cheering sisters attention, "Royal Prep has a Flying Derby Team too."
"It does?!" Both girl beamed.
"There's a tryout race next week, and we start practicing for it tomorrow. You guys can come watch if you want." The sisters flashed excited grins.
"I'm going." Amber announced, fixing her hair in a mirror Lydia never noticed she brought. "Prince Hugo will be there." There was a silent yet very loud metal CLANG. Lydia's enthusiasm was smashed by the mentioning of Hugo. Of course he is. "He's the best rider in the whole school…" She swooned on the arm of her chair.
"Well...I'm as good as Hugo." James retorted, hoping Amber would support him. His hopes were dashed by a snobby scoff.
"You didn't even make the team last year."
"This year will be different!" James crossed his arms. He planned on making the team. Lucky for Lydia and Sofia the crowd began to roar.
"NIGHT BEAUTY, CHOCOLATE RAIN, AND EL ROJO ARE NECK AND NECK, WING TO WING, TAIL TO FLICKING TAIL!" The riders were nearing the final stretch of the race. Just a clearing of the steeple, and then a last ditch effort to be the first to the finish line.
"Look at 'em go!" Sofia watched intensely as El Rojo cleared the steeple first. Lydia cheered louder when Chocolate Rain dove right on his heels.
Miranda grabbed Lydia by the boot when she practically fell out of the booth watching Chocolate Rain. The one thing she loved the most about Pegasi were their wings. Long limbs of muscle and feather climbing ungraspable air, carrying graceful bodies miles into the air at speeds only dreamt of. The horses drew closer and closer. Their wings flapped harder and harder. Heavy, adrenaline fueled horse pants rumbled Lydia's ears. Night Beauty merged to the inside, steadily growing on Rain and Rojo. Her black wings narrowly missing striking Rain's tail. Lydia was hypnotized by the black wings. Watching them flap up and down too fast for her to keep up. Up, down, up, down, up, down - Lydia's mind faded to a blank, immersed in the wonder. Up and down the wings continued to flap. Up, down, up, down - Like...a raven's sheen wings. A raven...Wormwood… 'A dark corridor. A flock of beady red eyed raven's baring razor sharp talons.'
"WOO-HOO!"
"WHUH?" Lydia jolted awake. She panted fretfully. The race ended with El Rojo being the victor. Chocolate Rain bringing in second, with Night Beauty in third. When did that happen? Lydia wondered, her mind in a daze.
"AMAZING!" Sofia cheered louder than the crowd. She hollered hoots of congratulations to each one of the riders. She didn't care who won. Despite El Dojo being her favorite. She was mostly there for the race itself. And, by her seal of approval, it was, "ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!"
Lydia massaged her hazy head. Her eyes darted in every direction. There were horses. Not a raven in sight. Or Wormwood. "Why would I think about Wormwood?"
"Maybe because Eezeyal's constantly fighting with him." James chortled.
Lydia bounced her shoulders, nodding compliantly. Eezeyal and Wormwood fought worse than cats and dogs. Always yanking each other's feathers, name calling, Wormwood pinning Eezeyal and pressing a claw to his skull. Ugh. Hold on...when did that happen?
"What do you think, Lydia?"
There was a click snapping Lydia's mind back to reality. "About what?" She was going to start worrying people if she kept spacing out like that. Not that she could help it. Why the heck did she imagine a flock of ravens?
"Me going to Flying Derby Practices at school tomorrow?" She clasped her hands, wanting her older sister's seal of approval.
"I think that's a great idea!" Sofia beamed joyously. Lydia envisioned Sofia on a pegasus holding a championship trophy. "I'll stop by after school to watch. You're trying out too, right James?"
"You bet I am!" He pressed a fist to his proudly stuck out chest. "And I'll be on the team this year for sure!"
"I have no doubts about that."
…
The Flying Derby was wrapped up by a ceremonial flight of the racers carrying Phoenix Torches. The pegasi flew one more lap, performed a few tricks, piecing embers lit the sky with a warm glow, and then the Pegasi disappeared past the horizon. An alluring trail of fire trailed after them. The Royal family were the first to be escorted to their carriage. They bid their loyal subjects a fond farewell. The Coachmen snapped the reins, and the carriage was on it's way back to the palace.
Flashback
"Close yer eyes…" Eezeyal gently ordered. Lydia eyed him oddly. That grim seriousness made her rethink her habitual protest. "Take a deep breath through yer nose." Lydia breathed through her nose. "Breathe out through yer mouth." Lydia exhaled from her mouth. "As you repeat this process, clear your mind. Relax your body, and let yerself go." Her shoulder loosened. Muscles in her face relaxed. Lydia released one more breath. A noticeable limpness slouched her body some. Eezeyal spoke softly, monotonously, leading her by a string, "Listen to my voice. Heed my instructions. Go back 12 days. Back to when we were admiring Enchancia from the air. Back to when the carriage first dropped us off."
Lydia's brow twitched off and on. Muscles in her fingers spasmed. She shifted her feet. She sniffed the air. A carriage soaring high above the clouds. The world passing by below. Birds flying. Butterflies dancing. People laughing and talking. "Crisp, cloudy air. Birds. The pegasus pulling the carriage smells of bush daisies...and wet dog." The memory made her cringe.
"Good! Good!" Not the smell, of course. "The carriage drops us off. You're walking through the entrance hall...focused on the fancypants interior...not noticing whatever's in front of you…"
There was a shrouded mass. Lydia barely turns to get her bearings. Lydia's whole body suddenly jerked. She winced, groaning uncomfortably. Lydia massaged her lower back. A nostalgic pain throbbed on her rear. "Cedric and I bumped into each other. We hit the ground hard. He is really boney." Eezeyal was able to figure that out the second he laid eyes on he varmint. "Wormwood argued with you."
Eezeyal was pleased. She recollected events to the letter. Now to up the ante. "Jump ahead now...one day, two days...three..." Lydia began to relax in her chair. She furrowed her brow. "What is it?"
"Cedric...he's in Sofia's room." Lydia's feet remained rooted, but the castle was moving. Floors pulling Sofia's room. Her hand stretched. Her fingers lightly curled. "Poppy flowers...buds…two of them...Sleeping Poppies..."
"How do you know that?" Eezeyal cleared his throat. He was getting too anxious.
"You...told me...I think." She caressed the bud. A shiver ran down her spine.
Eezeyal watched her closely. Her wrists crossed over her stomach. Her thumbs caressing the air. Almost as if she was holding something. "What's happening?"
"I'm in the yard…" She held her hands in front of her. An in good shape ragdoll smiled at her. Yarn hair hung, revealing a polka dot blush. "I have a doll…Sofia's."
"Why?"
"There's...going to be a duel...I wanted practice." Hinges creak. There's a slam. "Amber came out...we talked...then went back inside." She was getting close. Eezeyal controlled his riled excitement. Musty, heaviness pressed her skull. "Ugh...the air feels weird…"
"Weird how?"
She was twisting around. The room blurring, spinning. Objects fading. "A sharp shift…not right...danger..." She spoke faster. "Magic everywhere! Expulsing all at once!" She started to panic. "The poppies! They popped! It's coming from Sofia's room! Sofia's in trouble!"
Eezeyal covered his wings to her hands. "Calm down, Liddy! Everything's alright!"
"I have to get to Sofia!" Lydia ran and ran. The floor was like pudding. She can't run fast enough. The hallway kept extending. "Sofia!
"You'll get tuh her! Don't worry!" Eezeyal had to calm her down. Someone was going to hear her. "You're in th' hallway now! Sofia's door is right in front of yA!" A huge door separating her from Sofia. Lydia's hand shot out. She entered the little foyer. One more door. "Her bedroom is just on the other side!" Lydia's hand trembled. Pristine brass frightening and goading her. "Open it, Lydia! Open the door!" Lydia squeezed her eyes. Her hand grasped the knob. She turned hard. The door flew open. A white flash blinded her.
"AHH!" Lydia flew forward. Eezeyal hit the ground. Sweat beaded down Lydia's brow. She placed a hand, calming her pounding heart. "Huh...whoa...wow...What was I talking about? Ezee?" The bird was his head in a daze. She picked him up by the tail. "Um...Eezeyal? You okay?"
Eezeyal shook of the daze. "Well?"
"Well what?" How did that answer her question?
"What'd ya see?"
"Where?"
"In Sofia's room?"
Lydia glanced baffled side to side. The owl was acting weird again. "I...haven't been to Sofia's room all day."
Eezeyal was dumbstruck. It was worse because she was dead serious. "The trance!" He grasped her thumb, threw himself to the top of her palm, pleading to invisible forces for this not to be happening. "I cast a voodoo hoodoo trance over ya! Ya were runnin' through halls, playin' wit' dolls, FINDIN' FLOWERS! POPPIES!" He grabbed her by the ears, shaking her head violently, "YEW WERE ABOUT TUH SEE TH' VARMINT SKULKIN' SOFIE'S ROOM!"
Lydia's eyes circled dizzily. A deep pit feeling wrenched Eezeyal's stomach. She pried Eezeyal off. Her headache pounded even harder. "If you mean the night we saw those Sleeping Poppies, nothing happened."
"SAY WHUH?" Eezeyal's jaw dropped to her thumb. He attempted to hold out hope. 'Follow th' memory, Liddy! Follow it!'
"The poppies were delivered. A joke. They put me to sleep like everyone else."
A bomb imploded Eezeyal's brain. Smoke came from his ears. "NO THEY DIDN'T!" He wriggled free of her grasp. He flapped so hard hovering feathers molted sooner. "CEDRIC TRIED TO STEAL TH' AMULET THA' NIGHT! JUST LIKE HE PUT ROSE THORNS IN YER MEDICINE!"
Lydia was starting to get fed up with these accusations. She folded her arms, "Let me guess - For the amulet." She mocked scathingly. Eezeyal gazed somberly upon his master. Her words hurt. But she was so close before. She had the memory in sight. Then she just forgot. "Eezeyal! Keep this up and I'll pluck you! Alauna must have accidentally added the thorns. They are used in most remedies." Never in his life had he been driven to such madness and rage. Lydia didn't just forget. Her memory was rewritten. He still can't place his talon on the spell. "Now then…" Lydia took her seat by her desk, "You said you saw something in dad's room…"
Flashback End
A few minutes later, trumpets resounded the return of the Royal family. Lydia jolted awake. When did she fall asleep, she wondered. By how drowsy she felt, she must have slept the whole ride. She needed to go to bed earlier if she's sleeping during the day. I'd probably sleep easier if these dreams would stop. Maybe she should ask Cedric for a sleeping tonic. NO! NOT HIM! She was surprised at herself. Her stomach tied to knots at the thought. Her heart...it was pounding. This wasn't nerves. It was fear. Why am I scared to ask?
By oldest to youngest the family filed for the front doors. Baileywick promptly greeted them with a warm bow. Eezeyal whisked by, perching to Lydia's wrist. Cedric, incidentally, greeted them as well. Wormwood sitting on his shoulder. Lydia stopped mid stride. Her three siblings bumped into her and each other. "Hey! What's the hold up?" James shouted.
"OH! Sorry!" She helped up Amber and James. "I just...was lost in thought…" She timidly twisted back to Cedric. He wore a sincere smile when he bowed his head to her. A strong urge to wipe it off his face compelled Lydia's wand hand.
"You seem to be doing that a lot today." Amber scolded haughtily, picking her dress up past her feet and marching past. Lydia watched blankly as her siblings went inside. Baileywick wasted no time laying out Roland's busy schedule. Miranda went with him, wanting to help ease some of his burden. Lydia made it to the top of the steps, tapping her chin lost in thought. She looked to Eezeyal for guidance. He studied her silently. An expression of content reflected.
"All is well, Princess Lydia?" Cedric crossed a hand over his chest.
A spike jumped her heart. "Um...yes...thank you, Cedric." She mentally insulted herself for sputtering like a moron. Stop acting nervous you fool! He'll know something is up! But she isn't hiding anything! Is she? Wormwood subconsciously grabbed her attention. 'Another Wormwood appeared on the other shoulder. Dozens of Wormwoods fluttered near Cedric. Their beaks...so sharp...' A sharp pain in Lydia's abdomen throbbed.
"Are you sure you're okay, Princess?" He double checked when her hands hugged her stomach.
"I really wish people would stop asking me that!" Lydia stormed off. As the guards closed the doors, bone chilling grinds resonated Lydia's flaring impatience, and were closed by a loud slam of her fury.
Cedric pensively scratched beneath Wormwood's chin. A bothered hum reverberated his throat. Wormwood trilled disconcertedly. "It's too early."
...
Are you alright, Lydia? Is everything okay, Lydia? Princess, are you well? No words can express has greatly she despised those words. Of course she was fine! Why wouldn't she be? She appreciated the concern, but she's not a child. She can take care of herself. I just need sleep! That's it! Sleep cures everything. "And I swear," Eezeyal's opened beak was plugged by her finger, "You ask if I'm alright, I'll feed you to the python in the Petting Zoo!"
Eezeyal's brow furrowed. Her idle threats weren't amusing when she's upset. He nonchalantly removed the finger. Air pleasantly washed the aftertaste. "I was, actually, going tuh inform ya yer mail arrived whilst yews was out watchin' ponies fly." He fanned his wings, mocking the sport.
"First: It's the Flying Derby. It involves pegasi."
"Horses with wings."
"Second: My books are here?" She switched to excitement.
"Book. Sing-a-lur." He corrected annoyed. That didn't sound right. One book isn't enough to begin her training. The books the school let her keep were mostly reference and review guides. Why one book?
Lydia entered her room to see a thick, hardcover book on her work desk. Golden clamps hugged the corners. Dandelion yellow accentuating the calligraphic title framed by the book'd smooth, elegant brown cover. Gently, so not to drop the seemingly heavy book, Lydia scooped up the book. It was light. Old dust wafted to her nose. She cautiously opened the book to a random page. Crinkled, stiff paper rapidly flipped. The page they stopped on was blank.
"Well ain't tha' jus' keen-n-peach like! Blank!" Eezeyal roared. Lydia turned the page. Blank again. Another and another and another. All the pages were blank. "Let me see if I got this straight! Those three glitter sparklin' wingy girls ran yer school fur four years? Did they pull pranks while they taught magic?"
"Yes, but that's not the point!" Lydia closed the book. "They wouldn't send me an empty book. Remember how the books in the school library stayed blank until they thought you were ready to read them?"
Eezeyal rolled his eyes, grumbling under his breath. "Three stewpid weeks fur one lousy book from a dusty library not no one gives two hootin' hoots about."
"I'm sure the fairies had their reasons." Bumps on the book cover grazed the tips of her fingers. The book was turned over. A title that hadn't been there before was there now. "The Journey of a Thousand Miles?"
"What in tarnation-THA' AIN'T GOT NUTHIN TUH DEW WIT' MAGIC CASTIN'!" Eezeyal touched down on the book, boring a hole through the cover with his burning glare. "Why in the' hay did th' fairies send yew a novella?"
"The word, Desert Fowl, you meant is NOVEL!" A thick accent snootily corrected the frustrated bird. Lydia and Eezeyal spun to the door. "Novellas are much like anecdotes. Short, sweet, to the point." Not her bed, not the upper wing, the windows are closed. Lydia grew dizzy trying to find the...she wanted to say...German accent voice. She thought Merr was in the room. Only, when she thought about it, Merr's pronunciations of words was different. "Novels are much longer. Significantly more boring, in my opinion. Plots protracted by mundane events, climax neglected for idiosyncratic character entrances, and absolutely no real logic in the conclusion."
"HELLO!" Lydia finally grew impatient with the incessant ramblings. The person speaking stopped mid sentence. Lydia could now think. "Call me old fashioned, but for the sake of common courtesy, it's polite to speak to someone face to face." She clawed her fingers to the book's spine, ready to smack whoever was in her room. Eezeyal's talons curled. He took care not to rupture the book cover. "Not speak in circles in the shadows."
"Heh-yes. I can agree..." The hidden person was grunting in discomfort. He was trying to keep from crying. "But first, may I be so bold as to ask a simple favor?" Eezeyal was dumbfounded. But Lydia permitted the favor. "Can you and your friend kindly remove your nails? You both are simultaneously marring my spine and face." Spine and face? But...Stiff eyes rolled to the book. There was a smiling face on the book. "Good evening."
"YAH!" The duo screamed. The book dropped.
On a dime it stopped an inch before hitting the ground. Lydia parted her guarding arms. Eezeyal peered past her shoulder. "My, my, that certainly was a close shave. I must have been asleep longer than I thought." The book rose several feet like an elevator, laughing at itself for nearly hitting the ground. "My dear, when levitation is involved, do not procrastinate ascending once or twice. When you get older -URGH - floating becomes more taxing than casting!" It strained to opened up, flapping the cover and pages. Years of caked on dust cracked off when the book twisted and stretched it's old body. The growing pile went ignored. Lydia and Eezeyal were only able to blink they were so shocked. A flying, talking book was - well - FLYING AND TALKING as if it weren't a big deal. Ironic, given the two hold conversations on an hourly basis. "That's better. All is limber again. Oh dear! Forgive the mess. Allow me." The book parted it's pages. A vacuum vortex sucked the dirt right up. The book slammed shut. A cloud of dust puffed. It was like the dirt was never there. "That's better. Hmm...a fine abode, Dear Princess. Very clean. I remember these three children I used to supervise-" The book's constant rambled miraculously ceased. Eezeyal and Lydia's gaping faces prompted his silence. "What? Have you not seen a flying book before?"
"Not when nobody's wavin' a wand!" Eezeyal mustered the courage and climbed to Lydia's head, glaring the book down defiantly. "What the Annie-Hanni are yew s'posed tuh be?"
"Why I am a book, Herr Eezeyal." The book laughed, charmed by Eezeyal's southern drawl. Eezeyal responded with a no duh eye roll. Wait a second, how did he know Eezeyal's name? "And, not to be a Grammar Nazi, but the proper word smithing is, 'Never when there isn't a wand present.' Or you can phrase it-" A single feather pressed his nose hard.
"HOLE UP, BOOK!" Eezeyal's one wing flapped vigorously. "Yer awful sticky 'bout grammar! My other assummin' is yer sophisticated and polite!"
"Your assumption is correct." The book compulsively corrected.
"Then dontcha think it's awfully IMPOLITE to jus' start floatin' 'n' talkin' 'n' and grammar correctin' without first introducin' yerself?"
Amid his severe lack of education, the book found Eezeyal's words sound. "Allow me to introduce myself then. I am known as Ubos. An acronym for Ultimate Book of Spells. I was chosen by the fairies to be your instructor." This threw Eezeyal and Lydia for a loop. The book - Ubos - was her teacher from that point on. New. Weird. But interesting.
"I am Princess Lydia of Enchancia, Mr. Ubos." She curtsied with a warm smile. "This is my partner and friend, Eezeyal the Desert Owl." Eezeyal swept a wing in his bow. "Pleased to meet you."
"The pleasure is mine, Your Highness." A stream of glitter stretched Lydia's palm. Ubos gently kissed it. "And might I be bold and say, what a charming princess you are." Lydia giggled, shielding her flushed cheeks. "Please forgive my previous disrespect, Princess Lydia." He bowed submissively ashamed. "Merriment of my rebirth overwhelmed my etiquette."
The book's chivalry brought a cherry blush to Lydia's cheeks, diverting her bashful eyes to a potted plant. Her folded hands fidgeted. "It's alright. Really. I'm not really one for formalities." Then it dawned on her. "How do you know our names? We never told you. For that matter," She glanced between the book and Eezeyal, "How are you able to talk to Eezeyal?" Eezeyal never thought of that.
"I am a book of spells, Princess. Conversing with animals is a foremost language for me."
"What's the second?"
"Plants, my dear, make excellent listeners." Ubos earned another giggle. His spirit lifted. He was a charming piece of literature. Eezeyal growled silently, pretending to gag. "As for how I know your names, Fauna spoke highly of both of you. She holds a great deal of faith and respect for you two." Fauna always did look out for Lydia. "And, Princess..." Ubos' tone softened. Notes of regret lined his face. "Fauna informed me of your...inhibitor." Ice traveled Lydia's and up Eezeyal's scrawny legs. Lydia's teeth gnawed on her lower lip. Ubos floated close, not bothered by the growing resentment gleaming. "Please do not be forlorn, Your Highness. Fauna meant well. My studies are meant for more than just increasing your magical knowledge. I am also here to teach you absolute control."
"Can you really do that?" Lydia exclaimed, skeptical of Ubos's claims.
"Indeed I can, Princess. On the condition we reciprocate trust."
"Geeze! Does this book enjoy three tuh ten syllable words?"
Lydia pinched his beak closed. "Trust must be earned, Ubos. I cannot easily place faith in someone I've barely met."
Ubos bowed proudly. "Just the response I was seeking. Now I know you are one of careful approach, as well as charming tomfoolery."
"You say the sweetest things, Mr. Ubos. Do you know that?" She retorted playfully.
"There's a whole lot more tuh conversin' than book smart words, BOOK!"
"Eezeyal! You have an extended vocabulary!" She reprimanded the bird's double standard. "It just escapes him when he's riled." She explained to Ubos.
"Ahh…"
"At least I don't flaunt it needlessly!"
"Not flaunting. It is my manner of speaking." Ubos defended sternly but calmly. "I apologize, Sir Eezeyal, if my vocabulary lacerate the - flamboyant - pride you boast. However I bear no intention of altering my persona for your sake." He was doing it on purpose. He fought to not grin at Eezeyal's irritably bouncing brow. "You wield my permission, sir, to exhaust any and all ignominious statements. The Princess may not forgive me should you combust spontaneously due to withheld resentment."
"YOU KNOW WHAT, BOOK-" A wand tip shoved into his beak.
"ZIPATA!" Lydia snarled. A zipper zipped Eezeyal's beak closed. He pulled at the chain. It was stuck. "I'm sorry, Mr. Ubos. Eezeyal's suspicious of new faces."
"No call for apologies, Your Highness. I, too, share his reluctance to welcome strangers open armed."
"Then let's work on the wall between us." She circled her hands to the three of them. "For starters: my friends call me Lydia."
"Understood. But until certain hurdles are leapt, I humbly ask that formalities remain in place."
Eezayal ripped the zipper open. "Sounds good tuh me!"
"I've mentioned jealousy is a turn off for me, right?" Lydia stressed. Then she flashed an impish grin, "You knew very well there would be other men in my life."
"Hmph! You always did like them OLD!" Ubos's brow twitched.
Lydia kissed his head. "Which is why you will always be my one and only."
All of Eezeyal's pent up anger deflated like a balloon. "Aw shucks…" He blushed. Ubos was impressed by how well she handled him. She twisted to Ubos and winked. He returned the wink. This will certainly be an interesting stay.
…
Cedric stared obsessively at the white vial. Watching the memories churn, replaying significant portions of a history. The fragile glass was ready to crack under the sharp glare. That blank expression Lydia gave to Wormwood the focus of the obsession. Rampant thoughts shuffled by the swirling essence trapped inside. One of the ribbons twisted in knots, diving back down. Another did the same thing only it ricocheted off the bottle first. Cedric gasped and shot up on his hands. It was slight, but - yes - the bottle shook. He put the side of his head to the table, closing one eye. The memories were herding to the crystal cork. The tight seal would repel them, then they'd gather to it again.
"They're trying to escape…" He trailed off, curling his fingers. "It's too early for the effects to - even remotely - begin wearing off. Even if she is a sorceress, spells like this can last years!" Wormwood cawed fumingly. "I can see the adverse is happening! But I know I performed the spell flawlessly! She going about her days, blissfully unaware, believing all is well. The girl hasn't recalled a single moment of my schemes. That's the whole point of a Selective Amnesia spell!" Wormwood trilled again, scratching a bewildered itch. "Why not just erase all her memories? Because I might as well jump up and announced I'm a traitor." Wormwood bobbed his head agreeably. "That doesn't matter now. We need to keep an eye on the Princess. If her memories are flocking to her, it won't be long before they start calling to her. Then we'll be right back where we started."
To be continued!
hahahaha!