Clearing Hurdles

Part 2

Sorry for the long absence. I was finishing a three year long fic. Less for me to worry about now. Alright.

Quick Recap -

Lydia read the letter King Abraham and Roland were exchanging. Abraham wants Lydia to be prepared as a princess and is expecting her to be married by her 18th birthday. In November. Roland agrees, but isn't willing to let her stop practicing sorcery. King Abraham wasn't convinced Lydia could be a princess and a sorceress and wanted her to give up the latter. Lydia, a little hurt by Roland's acquiescence to King Abraham's demands, decided it'd be much more fun to prove Abraham wrong. That aside, part of Lydia understood the pressure he's under. That wasn't the only issue.

Cedric cast a Selective Amnesia spell on Lydia, forcing her to forget he's out to steal Sofia's amulet. Her memory is in immaculate condition with the exception of one or two holes along the way. The missing memories were trapped in a bottle Cedric kept with him at all times. She walks around as if nothing's wrong, despite a voice inside telling her something was very wrong. Eezeyal certainly amplified that inner voice.

Eezeyal caught on to Cedric's scheme. He guessed a selective memory spell was used but wasn't sure if one existed. Throughout the day Lydia suffered from random flashes of previous run ins with Cedric, earning headaches every time. Topping off the headaches were people constantly asking her if she was okay.

Then a talking book by the name of Ubos was delivered by the fairies to help Lydia train. Could Ubos be the key to helping Lydia? Or will the screaming memories trapped with Cedric break free?

(8)

3:00am. The witching hour. The time for owls and bats to scour the night in search of unsuspecting prey. Completely caught up in his work, Cedric fell asleep at his work desk with Wormwood nesting comfortably on his head. He situated a scarf and some twigs into a makeshift nest. The two snored in sync. Rats nearby by clamped their ears and hid back in their holes.

The desk drawer to the left shook. Supplies inside clattering. Powerful white flashes pulsated on and off every other five seconds. The vial containing Lydia's stolen memories gave off the light, shaking as the memories violently battered the misleadingly strong glass. Memory ribbons circled the tiny space. The parted memories wailed pleadingly for their host to hear and free them.

"Hm-whuh! Merlin's Mushrooms!" Cedric stirred, sliding back on his stool. Wormwood, startled awake, took flight to the overhead walkway. Cedric's whole desk vibrated vigorously. He yanked the drawer open. "That blasted vial again!" He snarled. Lydia's memories were beckoning her. Storming to his crystal ball he summoned an live feed of Lydia's room. "DOO! I can't believe the stubborness! She's the one that wanted to forget! Now she wants to remember! I'll never understand teenagers!" Cedric's fury soon died on the breeze when Lydia appeared. "Oh my…"

(8)

Lydia writhed in torment, getting tangled in the covers as she clawed at flashes plaguing her dreams. Sweat soaked her brow to the pillow. She mumbled incoherently, pleading to the subconscious terrors to subside.

"No...! Cedric... Sofia...Amulet...Wormwood...!" She wheezed. She thrashed violently. Electricity conducted her headband, restraining leaking power to its host. Tiny bursts escape, knocking over books and papers. "Can't tell! Can't say! Keep safe! Keep them safe! Must...help...Sofie...! Daddy!"

(8)

Cedric swiped a hand down, obscuring the image until the crystal ball was blank. He touched a hand to his forehead, dreading the image of the princess writhing in agony of what she undoubtedly considered nightmares.

"Things are far worse than I thought." Cedric dreaded. "Her memories aren't just beckoning her, they're forcing her subconscious to jog them." Wormwood cawed confusedly. He failed to see the problem. "It is a problem, Wormwood, because the spell is weakening. If this persists she will question the random images popping into her head until the king has no choice but to investigate." He dangled the crucifying vial of evidence. "Then not only will I be exposed, but everything we work for will go down the drain. Then we'll be...beheaded." Cedric and Wormwood held their necks, cringing at the thought of them severed from their shoulders. "Blast you, Lydia! Even as an amnesiac you are still interfering with my plans!"

(8)

Eezeyal could only watch heartbroken as Lydia whimpered desperately. Trapped at the mercy of her lost memories begging to rejoin her mind. "Oh, Liddy, PLease be strong."

"Does this happen often?" Ubos cued in. He joined Eezeyal on the foot of Lydia's bed, growing concerned by her relentless tossing and turning.

"Firs' couple o' weeks it was once or twice. Now these nightmares come every night."

"No! Get back! No!" Lydia cried. Eezeyal flew to her side, stroking her forehead. Ubos hovered sadly, feeling sorry for the poor girl. Day one of their adventures together and he witnesses such a scene.

"What became of her to bring these terrors on?"

"Tha' no good varmint, Cedric, did somethin' tuh poor Liddy's head!" He snarled, keeping his voice down. Although he wanted to wake Lydia up and save her from her terrors. "She doesn't remember what a no good snake he is! Only that he creeps her out." Eezeyal went further in detail when Ubos gave him a bewildered look.

Three weeks ago Lydia and Cedric were engaged in a good sorceress vs a bad sorcerer round about quarrel. Cedric used sleeping poppies to render everyone in the castle unconscious so he could slip in and steal Sofia's amulet. Only he didn't plan on Lydia escaping the poppies. She found him near Sofia and swiped the Amulet. After a long night Eezeyal broke the spell. End Cedric was given bad news when the Amulet's failsafe prevented him from using the Amulet. Since then Cedric and Lydia have been duking it out, not holding anything back during their duel, and have declared each other enemies. Then there was Lydia hurting her arm, Cedric making it worse, and then somewhere along the way Lydia it up and forgot Cedric was a diabolical villain. She thinks he's a misguided snake. Before Ubos asked the million shillings question, "Why doesn't she tell Sofia and Roland," Eezeyal mentioned Lydia's desire to protect her family prevents her from doing anything. Her only course was to intercept and thwart Cedric whenever he makes a move.

"Guess she didn't expect his latest move." Eezeyal cuddled to her neck. The soft tickle it his feathers seemed to calm her. He'll never forget how torn he felt when he found Lydia. Cedric taking advantage while her guard was down. How low can a person get?

"And you say only certain events are vacant from her memory?" Eezeyal nodded somberly. Ubos thought Lydia's symptoms sounded familiar. "Has she mentioned startling daydreams? Maybe suffers frequent deja vu? Perhaps is trapped in a daze?"

Eezeyal shook his head. He pinched the covers and pulled them over Lydia. "Lydia's private. Unfortunately for her I know her well enough tuh notice when she's spacin' out. She gets headaches too." Ubos hummed thoughtfully. Deja vu, daydreams, haunting nightmares, certain memories missing. "What'cha thinkin', Book?"

"Have you attempted to rekindle those memories, only to be thwarted by a sudden lapse?" Ubos quizzed, too lost in theories to answer.

Eezeyal thought back a moment. Lydia was close to recalling everything, then just forgot it all in a split second. "The girl blinked and I was back where I started. Convincing her Cedric was no loyal servant. Do you know what's wrong with mah girl?" A note of desperation coaxed Ubos to finally answer.

"Mr. Cedric has cast a Selective Amnesia Spell." Eezeyal's eyes widened. Spells like that do exist. Glancing to Lydia, he held no qualms in agreeing. "The good news is the memories aren't destroyed. Simply contained. The bad news is…"

"Cedric's the one containing them." Eezeyal finished. The surprising genius of villains never ceased to amaze - and annoy - him. "I'm still wonderin' how he managed tuh swipe the memories before she gave him the what fur."

"It may not have been difficult. The spell requires, at least, a conscious part of the victims desire to forget." Ubos informed him regretfully. "My knowledge of Lydia is severely limited. However I am confident, while she may wish to protect her family, she wishes Cedric's evil had stayed secret."

Eezeyal wanted to protest the accusation. A shame he knew the book was right. Lydia hated herself for learning Cedric's secret. It put such a strain on her relationship with Sofia and Roland. Lying is the one act Lydia was unable to forgive herself for. "Is there a way to break it?" Eezeyal asked hopefully.

"The spell is known to wear off. Not for several, several moons though. But…"

"But?"

"But it is possible for the spell to wane if the victim holds an even stronger desire to remember." Ubos returned attention to the writhing Lydia. "Lydia is strong willed. The dreams and deja vu are signs the memories are beckoning to her. Only they cannot reach her."

"Is there a second proviso?"

"Cedric could always return them." Eezeyal gave him a sarcastic deadpan stare. Ubos's cheeks flushed as he shrugged his bindings. It was worth mentioning. Selective memory spells came with a number of catches. All of which involved a great deal of effort. The memories would likely return with greater ease if Lydia truly wished for them. "We must hold faith, my southern fried feather friend. Either Lydia summons the memories, or we will have to convince Mr. Cedric to return them."

"We? I thought yew were only here tuh train her." After all that's happened Eezeyal became cautious of new arrivals in Lydia's life. Regardless if the fairies sent Ubos. "Wouldn't this be a step in her training? Beating a charm she wasn't aware existed. Anyhow, I thought you magic books like your anonymity."

"Do not assume I am without a heart! This level of casting is beyond her power to resist at this juncture" Ubos glared. " Besides, unless circumstances change swiftly, Princess Lydia's headaches will gradually swell." Ubos captivated the fuming Eezeyal with a stern glare. "Are you willing to watch her suffer because you doubt my loyalty?"

Ice grabbed Eezeyal's spine. He shied to the bedpost, sinking in his ruffling his feathers. "No. I'd never…" I'd never do anything to hurt Liddy.

"Ezee…? Ubos…?" The two gaped guiltily. Lydia rubbed her drowsy eyes, bewildered by Ubos and Eezeyal hovering near her. "Is everything okay?" She groaned.

Eezeyal was crestfallen. Her cheeks were pale and riddled with sweat. Those nightmares were torture on her. "Of course. All is well." Eezeyal's voice cracked. "Get some shuteye. Trainin' begins at sunrise. Don't wantcha missin' Sofia's derby tryouts." Lydia warmly smiled, then soundly returned to sleep. He fluttered to Lydia's side and kissed her on the cheek.

Ubos was touched by Eezeyal's love for Lydia. He had to admit there was a hint of respect for the bond between human and animal. They agreed to earn one another's trust before opening their arms casually. Ubos found the first step in his thousand mile journey.

(8)

Morning finally came. The sun was a pleasant sight after a long night of ambiguous dreams. Lydia released a huge yawn at the breakfast table, stretching her arms until her neck cracked. She slumped relaxed in her chair. The tangy orange juice did nothing to wake her up.

"Long night?" Roland laughed.

"So to speak." Lydia put a chunk of ham in her mouth. Juicy morning meat not cheering her up in the slightest. "I had the strangest dream Wormwood attacked me. And he pulled my hair."

"I've had dreams like that." Amber shuddered. "He ruined all my best dresses, and used my tiaras to line his nest!" She angrily stuffed pancakes in her mouth, muttering curses at the bird. James and Sofia laughed nervously.

"By the way, Lydia, did you get your books in the mail?" Miranda asked.

"Uh-huh. Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather sent him-THEM-last night. Ha-Ha! Yeah! I'm swamped for today!" She stuffed eggs and chugged half the orange juice in order to shake off the slip. That was close. Ubos will have my head if I let that slip. As part of their deal to earn one another's trust, Ubos asked that Lydia keep his existence a secret. The pages within him contain powerful and devastating spells. Whosoever wields him has access to great and terrible magic. At least that's his personal paranoia. Lydia knew no one in the castle would abuse his pages. Amber maybe. James definitely. Cedric...need not be answered. But Sofia and the others would never use him inappropriately.

"AW! Does that mean you'll miss tryouts?" James whined despondently. Sofia quivered her lower lip, flashing her big, glossy, puppy dog eyes.

"Whoa! Whoa! No! I'm never too busy for you guys!" No matter how many years, Sofia knew how to tug on Lydia's heartstrings. When did James master the art? If Amber starts, I quit! "But I am behind on my studies. So I'll need to hit the books the whole day." She announced regretfully. Then she added with a wink, "I will, however, take a break so I can come watch the tryouts. I need to talk to The Fairies anyway."

"YAY!" James and Sofia cheered.

"What are you studying today?" Amber asked interested.

"Not sure. The, uh, books will outline my lesson plan. Once I pass I move on."

"Does that mean you can't skip ahead to the good stuff?" James droned.

"I even think of doing that and the books will turn me into a fish." Or so Ubos threatened. Lydia believes his exact words were…

Flashback

"Magic is a serious responsibility. A delicate and dangerous art." He touched noses with Lydia, summoning nervous sweat down her brow with his bulldog glare. "Any cheating, leaping spells, dishonesty, or simply shirking from your work, and I will turn you into a fish and watch you live out your years in the pond."

Flashback end

Lydia shuddered. Ubos is scarier than Eezeyal when it came to her school work. A German book form of Eezeyal. I'm in trouble. She sighed exasperated. "Save me."

"Princess Lydia!" Baileywick came waltzing in with a book in hand. "Please forgive the interruption. But there are two sections in your studies yesterday we neglected to cover."

"Really? Which one?"

"Hold on." Amber stopped Baileywick. "Today's Monday. I thought she practices magic."

"It's alright. If I missed a section I want to cover it."

"I still don't know how you'll keep your sanity." Amber got a headache just thinking about it.

"A little faith and an immense amount of breathing." She winked. Now Amber was lightheaded. "So what section did I miss?"

Baileywick pinched his glasses, narrowing focus to the particular book chapter. Lydia rubbernecked to see where she left off. Chapter 1 - Hosting Tea parties. Not the most exciting. Chapters 2 and 3 - Public appearances and visiting kingdoms. Appearances not so bad. Visiting other kingdoms? As long as it isn't Hugo or Hildegard's, I'm all for it. Chapter 5 - Proper dining. James missed that one. And now there's Chapter 6. "Chapter 6 - Manners and Etiquette. Lessons in public decorum every noble and royal needs to know for a healthy and successful relationship with guests. Section 21 - Polite Conversation. Weather, favorite books, and other topics talk." Baileywick read. "Section 22 will explain how to wittily retort to indirect insults. Also it applies to keeping your composure."

Sounds so exciting. Keeping her composure wasn't hard. Not counting the dart shredded picture of Cedric, her eruption during the duel, oh and her mouthing King Abraham, King Alexander, and company when they opened their big mouths. Best feeling ever. "Didn't King Abraham and his entourage basically cover that?" She was, of course, referring to Abraham and Alexander berating her the day of the duel.

"That is passing by conversation." He used the word conversation very, very, VERY loosely. "This particular conversation applies to gatherings and small parties. How to greeting guests and keep them occupied while hosting them."

Again. Overjoyed. Lydia accepted the book, skimming past the summary. "It is fun to talk amongst friends, however charming retorts and clever wordplay win you high marks in the eyes of nobility." Lydia couldn't resist rolling her eyes. "Because, you know, I go through my WHOLE LIFE trying to win everyone's approval."

"Its not about winning approval, Lydia." Roland reassured her. "Conversations like the ones you'll learn about are the foundation of royal gatherings."

"Yes. I'm sure winning over King Abraham will work wonders for your foundation."

Roland's stomach curdled sickly. "I beg your pardon." Roland was astonished by the obvious sarcasm in her tone." By the look on his face, Lydia touched a nerve. It took every muscle in her body to keep from smirking.

"Nothing. I'm sure King Abraham will be pleased your eldest daughter is taking her princessing so seriously." Miranda may have been being a little overly cautious, but she felt the air between Roland and Lydia grow uncomfortably awkward. It sure bothered Baileywick and the kids. The three siblings his behind Amber and her fan. Roland cleared his throat, using his apple juice to avoid the subject. Lydia sipped her orange juice, smirking inside the glass. Eezeyal. Best snoop ever. "Thanks, Baileywick. I'll look it over and get back to you."

"Remember to outline key notes, and tomorrow we will engage in a little practice." He checked his pocket watch then matched it to a miniature calendar he keeps folded in his coat pocket. "On Sunday we will arrange a small tea party as with you as host. By the end of the month we'll find a way to wrap it up in a test."

"Okay. Thank you." Baileywick bowed to the other royals and then excused himself. 'I know of your strength and weaknesses.' A familiar voice prickled the back of her mind. She massaged where the tension tied her. 'I will sever you from the forces, turning you into the human I know you to be!' Cedric? "Uggh…" The tension shot through her head like a migraine. It subsided in less than half a second.

"Headaches again?" Roland muttered.

A horrible feeling egged Lydia. If these headaches kept up then Roland would keep prying until he understood why. And it scared her. Why am I so scared? 'ENCHANCIA WILL BE MINE!' Lydia gave off a growl, pressing a hand to her head. Miranda massaged her back. "They're getting worse aren't they?" Miranda worried.

"Nope! More like a disturbance in the force." She pretended to panic and grabbed the bowl of blueberries. "I forgot to feed Eezeyal! Excuse me!"

"That gave her a headache?" Amber questioned.

"Eezeyal will peck her to death if she doesn't feed him. Oh yeah!" Sofia grabbed the strawberries and sunflower seeds. "Mia, Robin, and Clover need to be fed too! Excuse me!" Both girls ran from the banquet hall in a mad dash.

Roland threw his head back, howling with laughter. "They could be twins they are so much alike!"

"The villagers did refer to them as the 11 year twins." Miranda fondly reminisced. She almost forgot how alike Sofia and Lydia are. "Well let's finish eating. We all have a big day ahead of us."

(8)

"Hmm…" Cedric studied the trembling vial closely. Apparition fists striking the walls as the ribbons stirred in a perpetual malestrom. The glass showed signs of wearing. "This is becoming troublesome." He muttered bothered. The tenacity in which the memories want to flock to their master bothered him. "I wonder if her side effects have worsened?" He wasn't pleased at the thought of Lydia suffering. Rather...he seemed...disconcerted. He knew the dangers of this spell. "Huh!" He leaned in closer, gaping in utter shock as one of the memory ribbons flickered in and out. He tapped his chin thoughtfully. "The memories are calling to her again. Day and night the memories beckon. Grr! And I don't even have a plan to swipe the amulet!"

"Ah-huah…" Wormwood cawed, unsure if he should relish in the trapped memories or worry.

Cedric paced back and forth, muttering under his breath to himself. Wormwood watched, keeping distance from the smoke emitting from his ears. Time was running out. Lydia's no doubt feeling the full effects of the Spell's side effects. Her family has noticed her odd behavior. Deja vu, night terrors, day dreams - the vial will not hold the memories if she continues unconsciously wishing for the memories back. However the second she comes close to remembering, the spell simply steals them. And the longer they do not rejoin, the worse off her headaches will be. Two time bombs. A vial and head. The question remains: how much time does he have? And will it be enough to steal the Amulet?

"I need to get a closer look!" Cedric declared. "See how much time I have!" Wormwood cawed in agreement and flew after him. Cedric slammed the door shut. Wormwood crashed beak first into the wood, falling to the ground with stars circling his head.

(8)

Eezeyal submerged his whole head in the ripe berries, munching loudly in bliss of the tangy goodness teasing his gob. Bluish purple juice splashed on the marble flooring. Thankfully. Baileywick warned Lydia the next time Eezeyal sullies pristine silk with his glutinous ingestion he'd pop the bird like a grape. For a stickler with a stone face he is very intimidating.

Ubos, not willing to sugarcoat boisterous revulsion, contorted his cheeks in disgust of Eezeyal's lack of manners. "Do you not know the proper means of etiquette when dining before royalty? The least you may extend is utilizing those talons!"

Eezeyal glared with full, stained cheeks, spitting tiny pits in the bowl. "Stuff it, stuffy! I'm digestin' here!"

"Honestly, My Lady, how do you cope with this heathen?" Ubos groaned nauseated. Eezeyal's loud eating made his stomach curdle. If he had a stomach.

Lydia stroked Eezeyal's spine. "He's only like this when eating his favorite foods. You get used to it." Lydia giggled. Then her smile faded. Eezeyal's head down the way it is. It sparked a woeful nostalgia. 'Black talons...holding Eezeyal's head. Wormwood had Eezeyal pinned. A menacing talon threatening to pierce his skull.' "Grr…" Sharp pain shot up her skull again. It linger on the front crown, pulsating. 'Hand over the Amulet!' "Agh...man…!" She clenched her head.

"Princess? Are you well?" Ubos hovered by her side. Eezeyal stayed from his food long enough to see Lydia shake off the apparent painful headache.

"I'm fine. Really. I'm fine, boys. Thank you. Just a small headache." She massaged her temples. Ubos and Eezeyal exchanged worrisome glances. These headaches of hers are precisely the reason they are concerned. "By the way, do you eat, Ubos? I wasn't sure what to bring you. Sorry I didn't ask."

"No call for apologies, Princess. My only sustenance needed is the natural wellspring of magical force." A gurgling sound made his cheeks redden. Eezeyal's beak halted near a blueberry, and Lydia laughed behind a hand. "Although...ahem...there are times energy is not enough."

"How in the hoo-haa does a stomach gurgle...without a stomach?" Eezeyal mocked, scooping up more blueberries in that tiny mouth. He massaged his stomach tauntingly. Ubos wasn't about to dignify that with an response. He was too hungry anyway.

"Can't think on an empty stomach." Lydia drew her wand and twirled it. Eezeyal was startled when his bowl of berries began to glow. It shook and divided into two. Eezeyal's jaw hit the ground appalled. He growled in vengeance against Lydia for this outrage. Splitting his breakfast in half. For a book! The insolence! "Sharing is caring, Ezee." She mocked him. She levitated the bowl up to Ubos.

"Thank you, My Lady. These are my favorite."Ubos wiggled his brow, casting a batch of dust to hold the bowl close to his mouth. He chewed a handful, lovingly savoring their rich flavor. Eezeyal stopped chewing, finding his appetite lost. He pushed the bowl away. "Finished already, Herr Eezeyal?" Ubos teased.

"Not hungry."

"By your wish, then." Ubos stole the second bowl, chewing boastfully loud so to annoy the bird. "Simply divine." Eezeyal ground his beak in a heated growl. Just wait…

"You both are hopeless." Eezeyal and Ubos are both very well mannered. Unfortunately being in the same castle brings out the worst in them. Funny how much Lydia learned of Ubos in just 24 hours. "Maybe if you're still hungry I can sneak you pancakes."

"No need. But thank you, Your Highness."

"Fur cryin' out loud! Will ya STOP WITH THE FORMALITIES?" Eezeyal howled. "Lydia! Her name is Li-dee-uh! Can't you say that? Or do you just like keeping that wall in yer face?"

"Jealousy is most unbecoming!" Ubos's brown eyes began to glow white. "Perhaps I should turn you into the green eyed heathen you atest to be!"

"Bring it on, Fairytale!" Eezeyal spread his wings and talons.

"Enough! Both of you!" Lydia scolded. Eezeyal and Ubos growled in each other's faces then turned their backs with a grunt. "Eezeyal, I don't mind if he uses honorifics. If he's more comfortable with them I won't hold it against him. Besides you didn't use my name for three months." Eezeyal puffed his cheeks in shame. "As for you, Ubos, you're an educator. Lowering yourself to this level where violence is threatened is unbecoming. Especially when schoolyard provocations are tossed." Not that she is one to balk, but someone needed to be the cool head. Usually it is Eezeyal. With Ubos around there needed to be a median.

Ubos sighed in defeat. "You're right. Please forgive my outburst, Princess."

"Same here, Lydia. I didn't mean to upset you."

Then there was a knock at the door. "Lydia, can I come in?" It was Sofia. Ubos dove under the bed. Lydia, on reflex, caught the falling fruit bowls.

"Come on in, Sofia. Door's open." Sofia barely poked the door open. Watnaught and Clover came speeding in. "Morning guys." Lydia knelt down, letting Watnaught crawl in her arms. Clover and Eezeyal exchanged paw/wing shakes and claps. "What's up?"

"Who was Eezeyal talking to? I could have sworn I heard another voice." Ubos stiffened nervously.

"Oh that! Well...it was me!" She lied nervously.

"But I heard a grown man."

"I was practicing a voice altering spell. Like it?"

"Sure fooled me." Sofia giggled.

"Trust me, Sofia, yer not the only one." Eezeyal replied snidely, glancing purposefully to the peaking at Ubos. The book hadn't noticed the glance. He was entranced by Sofia's amulet. He sensed magic within it. Then there is Sofia speaking with Eezeyal on equal ground. "So what brings ya to our humble abode?"

"Just came to tell you we're leaving for school early. With Derby Practice this afternoon, The Fairies want to give students enough time for tryouts."

"Thanks for the update. I'll see you after school."

"Alright. See ya." Clover and Watnaught followed Sofia out the door.

The second it closed Lydia let out a held breath of relief. Ubos floated out from hiding. Eezeyal perched to Lydia's shoulder. "That was close."

"Would hafta be if a certain page turner wasn't so mistrustin'."

Lydia pinched his beak shut. "Did we not just talk about this?" Eezeyal rolled his eyes.

"Pardon me." Ubos politely interjected. "Is your sister a sorceress as well?"

"Sofie? No. Why?"

"The necklace she wears is the Amulet of Avalor. Not to mention she understood, Sir Eezeyal."

"I'm not surprised you know of the Amulet." Lydia would be even more surprised if he hadn't noticed it. "The Amulet let's Sofia talk to animals. According to Cedric it holds other powers as well." Lydia explained Roland was the one to give Sofia the Amulet while Cedric revealed its magical properties.

"He speaks true. The Amulet contains great and powerful magic." The ominous tone sent shivers down Lydia and Eezeyal spines. "Your sister is young. Forgive my boldness, however I must announce my apprehension of a child so young possessing such a powerful talisman."

"Eezeyal told me what the Amulet is capable of. It worried me too." Lydia toyed with her headband, lost in trials she conquered in the last seven years. "But Sofia's a stronger person than I ever was. If anyone can handle the Amulet, she can." Ubos was unsure of Lydia's faith in one so young. Sofia was her sister and fellow princess, so who was he to question. "Can she meet you?"

"Excuse me?" Ubos exclaimed.

"Sofia. Would you mind if she met you?" Seeing as she possesses magic and wields it responsibly, Lydia saw no harm in letting Sofia in on the secret. Lydia will seek Ubos's approval first. Sofia is the most tight lipped girl Lydia knew. "Cedric knows the Amulet has magic. But other than that no one besides me knows Sofia uses the Amulet to talk to animals."

"I...don't...know."

"It's up to you. No rush." She reassured him, not wanting to sound pushy. She touched her earrings. "My magic is common knowledge. You, Sofia, and Cedric are the only ones who know about my earrings. Like you, I have my reasons for keeping that hidden."

Reasons she never discussed. One reason is she promised Eezeyal she'd never tell anyone. Sofia was an exception given her powers. She also promised she'd never remove the earrings. To be honest with herself, talking with animals was Lydia's own little inside joke. The animals around the school kept her in the loop about certain things. If Roland knew she and Eezeyal could speak, the joke about Abraham's letter wouldn't be as funny. Or as satisfying when she rains on his parade.

"For now…" She cupped her hands to Ubos's bindings, "Why don't we get down to business? What's first on my to-do spell list?"

Ubos flashed her a grin then whipped his pages to the introduction. Calligraphic words printed on seemingly blank pages. "Welcome Sorceress in Training, Lydia of Enchancia, to the beginning of your future as a Sorceress." Ubos recited the text, almost congratulating Lydia for her success and graduating. Her ego inflated for the moment. "The path to becoming a true Sorceress is long, perilous, and frought with trials that will encourage and discourage your resolve. Do you accept these terms?"

"Of course."

"Then let us begin." Ubos turned to chapter one. Journey of a thousand miles begins with chapter one. Teleportation and Transportation. No. Not the same thing. Very specific book. Lydia chuckled inwardly. "Here, Princess, you will learn to teleport without the use of incantations, and transportation by way of unconventional means."

"I'm already interested. What's first?"

"Slow down, Princess. Read the instructions before proceeding."

Instructions listed themselves below the introduction. Lydia leaned in, squinting to ensure she didn't miss an instruction. "Teleportation. The foundation of retreat and evasion. Sometimes victory is not an option, so a Sorcerer must tactically teleport to get their bearings (Warning - not to be used while in water.)" Lydia blinked, thinking about that for a moment. Wonder what will happen. "Says here in order to teleport I need to envision myself at my destination?"

"For example," Ubos flipped closed, glancing to the upper wing of Lydia's room, "Picture the wing area of your room." He closed his eyes. "Then thrust yourself into that perception." He vanished in gold smoke, then reappeared in the upper wing in the same smoke. "Successful teleportation." He bowed.

"Impressive." Lydia and Eezeyal applauded him. "Let's practice this outside. I don't wanna break anything."

(8)

Cedric was frothing at the mouth he was so enraged. Here is Lydia with half her memory missing, yet she still poses a bigger annoyance than when her memories were in her head. "WILL YOU STOP THAT?" He ripped the vial from his chest. It keeps thrashing violently, thrusting for the hallway ahead. "I don't know who is the greater aggravation. You or your OWNER!" Lydia sped around a corner. Cedric cringed for impact. She dug her heels skidding to a halt within an inch of hitting the resident Royal Sorcerer. Eezeyal collided with her back. A satchel swung into her thigh. "PRINCESS!" Cedric ogled the vial, then Lydia, and swept the bottle back in his robe. If we keep meeting like this people are seriously going to talk."

"Cedric?" For some reason saying his lit a small fire. Eezeyal landed on her head, growling dangerously. Ubos wiggled the satchel flap open slightly, getting a clear view of the sorcerer causing Lydia strife. The son of Goodwin? "What are doing out of your tower?"

"I do venture from my room every once in a while, thank you!" He remarked, offended she made him out to be a prisoner. Lydia chuckled nervously. It's not her fault he's a shutin.

"Well, please excuse me. I have magic training to do." She matched snide remarks.

"Mind if I ask what you are learning?"

"Teleportation without incantation."

Cedric threw his head back in a fit of laughter. Lydia growled, puffing her cheeks. "Let...let me get this straight!" He wiped a tear from his eye. "You can exchange places with me in midair, but you can't…" He vanished and appeared in random poses around Lydia in fits of green smoke, "Teleport? The irony."

Roland's lecture about composure in the face of provocation stayed her clenched fist. "Not all of us can be as skilled as you, MR. CEE-DRIC!" Cedric's brow bounced. Despite her agitation, a piece of her cried out in fear. Why in the world do I feel scared? "Now move it!" She must taken two steps past him when he snapped a surprisingly strong grip to her forearm. "Ow! Cedric! That-uh…" An uncharacteristically harsh glare silenced her defiance. She swallowed frightfully. A pit exploding in her stomach. "Is...everything okay?" Eezeyal fluttered by the satchel, sharing Ubos's desire to intercede Cedric's hold. "Cedric?" He pulled her closer. "What's…"

Cedric slowly cupped a palm to her cheek, making it shade several tints of red. Ubos watched fascinated all the while keeping a fuming Eezeyal from dive bombing the sorcerer. Cedric lightly glided a thumb over her cheek. He tilted her head up. The flash of light with the bright paint startled her eyes. "Loss of color. Sunken cheeks. Sensitivity to light. Are you sleeping well?" Lydia tripped over her words. Uttering a simple yes was too much for her scattered brain. This was a complete 180 from his usual demeanor. Since when did he care about her health?

"Why are you asking me this?" Those clammy fingers on her chin. Worse than when he kissed her hand. 'GET YOUR FILTHY HANDS OFF HER!' Lydia's eyes widened. Cedric hummed to himself and slid his hand away. The vial in his robe vibrated. He was transfixed by her scared expression. A memory. Cedric whispered mentally.

The hallway blurred, fading into the form of the throne room. Cedric's wand at Lydia's neck. What is this? What am I seeing? Sofia was behind him unconscious in her chair. Sofia? 'Please don't hurt her!' 'Then give me the Amulet!' "GAAHH!" Lydia's head split in pain. Cedric panicked and wrapped an arm around her waist, catching her before she fell. She pressed her face and hands to his chest, smothering the migraine. "My head...it hurts...why does my head hurt?" Cedric furrowed his brow. A glow formed two the tip of two erect fingers. He tapped the crown of her head. A glittering web spread over her head and seeped into her scalp. In seconds the headache subsided.

Time is running out. Cedric rumbled.

"Oh. Oh wow." Lydia itched her head. Pressure relieved her head. Sweet, sweet relief. "The headache is gone. It's gone! Wow! Thank you so much!" She threw her arms around him.

"Y-yes. You're welcome." Cedric bashfully cleared his throat. Light pink tinted his cheeks. Ubos arched a smirking brow. How about that. Cedric pushed her back by the shoulders, grunting in the back of his throat. He shooed her away with his wand. "Do get a move on. Your training awaits. I suggest down by the harbor." He snapped his fingers. A puff of green smoke consumed Lydia and Eezeyal. The blush returned when thinking about her hug. Why did she have to hug me? And how does she have warm, fuzzy hugs? He shook his head of those thoughts. He grasped the vial. More ribbons were fading. "The spell is wearing off! If I am going to make my move it will have to be soon."

(8)

"OOF!" The smoke dropped Lydia and Eezeyal row boat. The musty smell of fish, bait, and seaweed of the boat house rousing them from their daze. Ubos tumbled dizzily from the satchel. Lydia massaged her sore rump. "Stupid Cedric. Doesn't bother to give a warning." She touched her chin, creating a mad blush recalling Cedric touching her. "Why did he have to touch me?" The blush darkened when she just remembered she hugged him. "GAH! WHY THE HECK DID I HUG HIM?"

"Trust me. I'm wonderin' the same thing." Eezeyal grumbled.

"I think he liked it. Perhaps there is an unspoken attraction." Ubos snickered, bouncing his brow teasingly.

"Unspoken and nonexistent!" Lydia puffed her cheeks with a growl. Ubos chuckled. The toughest armor has a chink. Her flustered look would carry him throughout the day. "What are you laughing at?"

"Nothing, Your Ladyship." Lydia growled silently. Why do I get the feeling he's going to be aggravating? "Shall we begin your training?"

"First things first." Lydia cannonballed into the water. Eezeyal and Ubos arched brows. "I am not coming out until Cedric's stench is off me."

"She's the one that hugged him." Eezeyal mumbled.

"Teenagers." Ubos scoffed.

"Tell me about it."

"You two can officially BITE ME." Lydia swatted water at them. The two laughed at her. Two Eezeyals! My headaches are twice as bad. She scooped water in her palm. Not meant for water. Hmm...envision. An impish smirk appeared. Sure hope you're waterproof.

Eezeyal stopped laughing to catch his breath only to be boggled by turquoise smoke emitting from the water and Lydia gone. "Since when can water smoke? And where's Liddy?"

"SHE DIDN'T!" Ubos gasped.

Lydia landed on her butt behind them from a turquoise cloud. "I did." She raised a thumb. A bucket of water soaked the book and bird to the bone. They choked on the super salty water, growling vengefully at their owner. "That's why it says not to use it in water."

"No. This is why!" Ubos slammed his pages. Gold smoke consumed him and Lydia.

"Uh-oh. She done did it now." Eezeyal groaned, glancing to bubbles in the water.

(8)

Lydia emerged submerged in water. A gargled scream choked up bubbles. She clamped air to her mouth and nose. THAT LOON! The surface was a few feet up. She scrambled for the surface. Ubos reappeared in her path, completely unaffected by the water. "Your predecessors sassed me as well. Their punishments were far more severe. I buried one in the Great Wall of China for his insolence. And learned why she should avoid stepping on momeraths." He moved in close. Lydia tried not to whimper at his glare and dwindle her air. "Do you wish to push me further?" Lydia shook her head wildly. Pressure burned her lungs. "Are you ready to listen?" She nodded. She was going lightheaded. "Good." He went under her. With a flip of his pages a burst of fire broke them through the surface. Lydia flipped off, grabbing onto him for dear life as she choked on the salt. The deadly drop below curled her knees. "Let us rejoin Eezeyal. We have a lot of work to do."

"R-right..."

To be continued.

Not much to this one, but you guys know me. I always make a good comeback.