Quite the Pair
Let's move on.
...
Ah yes. Another gorgeous day in Enchancia. Smell that fresh mountain sllash forest slash sea breeze air. The sun is shining. The birds are singing. Amber, Sofia, and James were flying kites by the harbor. And, to top of the beginning of a great day, Cedric and Lydia are on a flying carriage together. Yep. Cedric and Lydia. Enchancia's most gifted sorcerers, brilliant potion makers, and the biggest and most virulent rivals since Hades and Zeus. So it is warranted to mention they are on a carriage ride under extreme protest. Which is precisely why Constable Miles accompanied the warring sorcerers. Not say lightning between their hard glares didn't strike a couple times. Constable Miles had scorched hair to prove it.
"I get why we're going to Lyndor. I also get why Dad needed a sorcerer to make the trip." Lydia laid down the basis of the high flying trip, earning nods from Constable Miles. She grit her teeth, pointing disdainfully at the brooding Cedric. "What I don't understand is why in Hellfire you had to come!"
"The King asked that a sorcerer be sent." He boastfully pressed a hand to his puffed chest. "Not a teenie bopper wannabe trainee barely off her training wand. OW!" Lydia ground her heel in his foot. "Or prone to violent tendencies!" He flicked her nose. She drew a fist back. Constable Miles hooked her elbow, dragging her to her corner.
Before getting too ahead, let's explain where Lydia, Cedric, and Constable Miles are heading. And why Lydia and Cedric are one poor choice of word away from pummeling each other. Roland received a message for help from Marquess Ursa of Lyndor - a metropolis nestled in the vast meadow regions of Enchancia. Strange happening have been occurring throughout the town. Women turned to swans, men into frogs, pigs were given wings. A woman's braids were turned into snakes. One man sprouted a dog's tail. These occurrences had been continuous for, what the Marquess believes to be, five days. She's unsure what has brought them about. There have been no new arrivals she's been made aware of. Nothing has contaminated the water supply. Sorcery is not widely practiced in Lyndor. However she is certain sorcery is involved.
Marquess Ursa's people are in a state of panic. Neighbors are unsure who to trust. Parents fear for their childrens safety. None of the abnormalities have been life threatening. But the idea that something beyond their understanding or control is upon them only feeds their apprehension.
Roland offered to send Lydia and Cedric to lend her aid. Without asking them ahead of time. He assured her they made quite the pair. Cedric and Lydia abhorred the idea. It was the worst idea since broccoli was dipped in cheese. Being sent on a mission...TOGETHER?! ABSOLUTELY NOT! Cedric offered to eat his shoe first. Lydia was tempted to choke. But Roland was firm. He, like the others, knew Lydia and Cedric had a strained relationship. They just weren't aware of how strained. Roland needed them to do this. If not for their own pride, then for people who deserve the right to walk down the street without worries. And because he can and will force them to play at upcoming birthday parties performing magic shows.
Which brings them - Eezeyal, Wormwood, and Ubos - to pouting as the carriage crossed over Lyndor's meadow border. Ubos sensed Lydia's irritation through the satchel. Wormwood and Eezeyal's ruffling feather made him feel uneasy. Constable Miles sat idly by. At least Cedric and Lydia were sitting opposite each other, on different sides, distracting their urge to punch each other with a scenery.
"Ever heard the expression making a mountain out of a molehill." Constable Miles pierced the tension.
"Blame the mole to the right." Lydia snarled, keeping her brow furrowed to the passing scene.
"Your right or mine, mole?" Cedric hissed, slyly glaring out of the corner of his eye. Lydia rose from her seat, clenching tight fists. Cedric pushed up defensively on his palms.
Constable Miles intercepted, staying them with open palms. "ENOUGH!" He boomed. He looked to scold Lydia first. "Princess Lydia, this behavior is unbecoming of you! Lend Cedric's taunts the same length of impatience you grant Hildegard's!" A very short length. Hildegard's taunts wash off her like bath water. "And you, Cedric, remember she is a princess! You will treat her with respect!"
"Respect is earned! Not commanded!" He seethed mostly at Lydia. "And she is FAR from earning my respect!"
"What makes you think I even want it?" Lydia leaned dangerously close. Constable Miles firmly pressed to keep her back. "You pathetic scab!"
Cedric shot up. Constable Miles shoved himself in the middle. "DO NOT BE CROSS WITH ME BECAUSE YOU ALLOWED YOUR GUARD TO SLIP, PRINCESS!" Cedric and Lydia's faces came within inches of each other. Steam exhausted from their mouths.
"I DIDN'T ALLOW ANYTHING!"
"Well you sure didn't prevent it!"
"That-is-enough!" Constable Miles pushed them into opposite corners. Eezeyal and Wormwood sat in their laps to keep them there. Constable Miles sighed irritably, massaging the bridge of his nose. "Honestly, what has gotten into you two? You've been at each other's throats worse than usual."
"Why does something have to be wrong?" Lydia snapped. "Can two people simply dislike each other? This is common. Even in Enchancia!"
"Dislike is now disdain! Everyone, including Sofia, see's it!" Lydia's fury quelled at the mentioning of Sofia. She's done her best to make her and Cedric's feud seem like an idle rivalry. "We are worried there is something bigger at work." Cedric and Lydia glanced guiltily to the side. Wormwood and Eezeyal perched to their owners' shoulder Constable Miles put his hands to his hips, shifting glares between them. "Is there?"
"No!" Cedric and Lydia huffed. Eezeyal and Wormwood shook their heads.
"Are you-"
"WE'RE SURE!" Constable Miles was roared back to his seat. Lydia heatedly leaned on an elbow, twisting as far from Cedric as possible. Cedric rested on his arms, boring holes in the sky from glaring so hard. Constable Miles let it go. He returned to a book he brought along with him. How to tame wild sorcerers. A guide to avoiding a Topsy Turvey day.
...
Sofia somberly stirred a finger on the library table. She lost grip of her kite and it floated down by a cave. James and Amber warned her of the trolls lurking in the caves below. Not fearing the tale she went to retrieve her kite. When a troll revealed itself, Sofia ran away screaming. Now she's in the library without a kite and feeling just a little bit guilty for running away.
"Cheer up, Sofia. We'll get you another kite." James promised.
"It's not that. I'm a little bummed I ran away."
"It's a good thing you did." Amber reassured her. "Those trolls are dangerous. According to Daddy." She added, showing how little she knew but was willing to believe. "Though I'd rather be trapped with them than on a trip with Lydia and Cedric."
"Ooh-hoo...I hear that." James shuddered.
"Why are they acting weird towards each other?" Sofia asked them disconcertedly. "Aren't Mr. Ceedric and Lydia friends?"
"Mom says that the best of friends always argue the most." James replied with a note of confusion.
"Then Lydia must be a soulmate for Hildegard and Cedric." Amber chortled. "Those three never miss an argument."
...
Cedric, Lydia, Constable Miles, and company were in mouth gaping awe of Lyndor. It certainly lived up to its reputation. One huge metropolitan city covering vast miles of the eastern meadows. Accessible by bridges crossing the mile wide moat safeguarding it from unwanted visitors. To think they were only flying over the capital city. Neighboring towns were scattered across the east. The capital is like the Enchancian palace. In charge of the politics and lends aid to its countrymen. The capital also hosts hide festivals people come from miles around to take part in.
Trumpets resounded the Enchancian kingdom's arrival. Harold the coachman drove the carriage to the courtyard of a large estate. Lydia and Cedric shied at the grand gesture. A long haired brunette woman with piercing green eyes awaited them at the top of stairs. Her seafoam colored dress wafted in the breeze. Beside her was a dwarvish man in Shakespearean attire. Complete with a feather in his cap and a well trimmed mustache. "May I present, from the kingdom of Enchancia," The stout castle steward announced by way of a parchment, rolling his tongue on every R, "Prrrincess Lydia, Constable Miles, and Cedric the Sorcerer." Harold opened the carriage doors, lending Lydia a hand to the salmon stone. Constable Miles and Cedric dismounted in tow. "May I present, her most benevolent eminence," The short, portly man bowed, addressing Ursa, "Marquess Ursa of Lyndor." She twirled her parasol, delighted by Lydia and her entourages presence.
"Princess Lydia," Ursa pinched her dress, bending her knee in a gracious cursty, "It is an honor to finally make your acquaintance."
"Lady Marquess Ursa," Lydia curtsied in return. Constable Miles and Cedric bowed. Eezeyal and Wormwood spread their wings, extending a foot, "The honor is most definitely mine."
"May I introduce my faithful steward, Bertrand." Bertrand bowed low. His cap fell from his shiny patch of black hair. He scrambled putting it back to hide the balding head.
"Prrincess Lydia..." He purred.
"Mr. Bertrand. Thank you both for having us."
"It is I who should thank you, Princess." Ursa assured her. "When King Roland told me he'd be sending his finest sorcerers to help, I held hopes you would be amongst them." Her gloved hand tenderly cupped Lydia's. "I wanted to personally tell you I am in full support of your desire to become a sorceress. Royalty needs a ruler versed in both magic and politics."
"Thank you, My Lady." Lydia blushed. Cedric and Wormwood rolled their eyes. Constable Miles elbowed him.
"Master Cedric. Constable Miles. You have my thanks as well." Ursa shook their hands, giving them a warm smile. "It pleases me recent events are being taken seriously by Enchancia."
"Master Cedric..." Cedric whispered. A feather in his cap and ego.
"But of course, Lady Ursa." Constable Miles responded, ignoring Cedric's daydreaming. "King Roland extends fond hopes this matter can be solved posthaste."
"Then let us adjourn to the council room." Bertrand proposed, gesturing to the mahogany foyer. "Refreshments have been prepared. May I take your bags?" Lydia and Cedric both brought provisions they believed necessary for this venture. Ubos included.
"That's okay." Lydia adamantly declined, hugging the straps. "I like to have my equipment on hand."
"As do I." Cedric retorted more gruffly.
"Fair enough." Bertran let the matter drop. Ursa nodded to her steward. He dashed into the foyer, rushing up the west wing flight of stairs to make further preparations.
"By the way, Lady Ursa," Lydia pet Eezeyal under the chin, "Do you mind animal partners?" Wormwood and Eezeyal put on their most adorable, pleading, baby boo faces.
"Aww..." Ursa gushed, stroking fingers under their necks, "Not at all. I'll have food prepared for them as well. Please. Come this way." Ursa led them along.
"Liddy, yer the best." Eezeyal kissed her forehead. Lydia sauntered proudly, conveying I know.
"Oh please! Don't massage her barely developed ego." Wormwood snarled.
"The Marquess may not mind birds, but I'm sure raven rats are a NO!" Lydia pinched him by the back of the neck, holding him forward. Cedric clamped Wormwood's beak closed. Constable Miles began to dread coming along. Now even the pets were behaving like the owners.
...
A burly hand smashed a piece of parchment on Roland's study desk. "THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS!" The roar of King Abraham echoed. Roland nonchalant signed his signature and stamped the royal seal to other letters, ignoring the fumes whistling from Abraham's nostrils. He leaned in, practically forcing Roland to meet his enraged gaze. "You're actually going to allow her to continue this magic folly?!"
King Abraham was under the impression Lydia would be putting her magic behind her and adhering to her royal duties. He's come to find out, via a letter sent by Roland, not only is that not the case, Roland is actually supporting her decision to be a sorceress.
"I thought her failure to win the duel proved she was not fit to wield a wand!" Roland's hand stopped.
"First of all, King Abraham," Roland's flat palm edged Abraham to a comfortable distance, "I'm not allowing Lydia to do anything. She made up her own mind and has agreed to do both magic and be a princess." Roland dipped his quill, proceed to respond to inquiries. "Secondly, Lydia did not fail. She gave it her all. And, if you would bother to see it, she has vested as much dedication into her royal duties. Like now." Roland handed him an inquiry from Lyndor. "Lydia is overseeing matters in Lyndor as a first assignment."
"WHAT?! Are you insane? Sending a child to handle delicate matters?" King Abraham was frothing at the mouth. He knows of the chaos plaguing the East Meadows. He furrowed his brow, folding his hands behind his back. "Is she visiting as a princess or a sorceress?"
"Both. Aong with Cedric and Constable Miles."
"She cannot be a princess and a sorceress at the same time. You said so yourself!"
"I said I agree with you about her taking her royal duties seriously. What I didn't say was that I'd have her put her wand away." Roland pushed up from his chair, strolling to the other side of the desk. He squared off brazenly to the fuming king. "Since the duel Lydia has dedicated a grand amount of time to learning the ways of our kingdom and those around us. I'll not have Lydia give up her dream. Not when she's striving so hard. And unlike you I faith she can - and will - become a Sorceress Princess."
"It has never been done, Roland!" King Abraham swept a hand. "No one can rule whilst being a sorcerer. Not without ending up like previous sorcerers."
King Roland held great offense in his assumption. The role of ruler and sorcerer carried a heavy burden due to others driven mad by power. Maleficent, Snow White's step mother, Jafar - the list went on. "Queen Elsa seems to be doing just fine."
"Not before she nearly destroyed Arendell."
"And that will forever hang over her head. The fact still stands she is making up for it." He stared somberly at his palm, able to feel it making contact with Lydia's cheek. "Mistakes come with the roles we choose. How we make up for them defines who we are."
"And who is Lydia?" King Abraham asked daringly. He held confidence Roland would give a generic answer. A strong person, a determined girl, a bright young woman with potential. He hadn't known Lydia long enough
"Lydia..." Roland took a breath, glancing to the ceiling. He chuckled lightly, shaking his head. "Lydia is Lydia." King Abraham tilted his head. "Spontaneous when riled, obsessed when driven, and thrives on making mistakes."
"Thrives?"
"When she messes up, she uses that to fuel her success." The mistake not learning of the goblins, but keeping her friends safe and studying up to make up for it. "Oh, and, she stands up for what's right and does not falter. No matter who tries to intimidate her." He leered, directing the message at the proud king.
"What are you trying to say?"
"I'm saying..." Roland opened the door. Baileywick waited to escort King Abraham, "Thank you for your time. Have a safe journey."
King Abraham went red in the face with rage. Rather than undignify himself with a warning, he collected what little composure and left the study. He insisted Baileywick not accompany him. Baileywick was all too happy to remain behind.
"Any problems?" Baileywick chortled snidely.
"Actually, I think things went rather smoothly." Roland returned to his work. "Have Lydia and the others made it to Lyndor?"
Baileywick handed him a report. "They arrived just a few minutes ago."
"Good. Now there's the matter of Sofia seeing trolls."
...
A maid poured Lydia, Constable Miles, and Cedric cups of hot, soothing tea. She meandered to the other side of the round table and poured Ursa some tea next. A tray of orderves rested in the middle of the table. Sandwiches, cheeses, veggies, and assortments of fruit.
"Thank you, Miss..." Lydia trailed off.
"Mallorie."
"Thank you, Mallorie." Mallorie bowed and then excused herself. Wormwood and Eezeyal helped themselves to bowls of food made separately for them. Lydia surreptitiously snuck her hands beneath the table. In her hands were berries, cheese, and two sandwiches. Ubos lifted the food from her grasp, tapping her leg twice in thanks.
"Shall we get down to business?" Ursa proposed. Bertrand handed Lydia, Constable Miles, and Cedric each gathered intel on the blight plaguing Lyndor. Seven pages of complaints, witness reports, and pleas for help. All from the past five days. "I'm sure you've been informed of our situation."
"A rash of odd occurrences around Lyndor." Lydia answered. Constable Miles and Cedric began reading the reports.
"Correct. Specifically in Hamil Town. For the past five days we've received reports from Hamil Town of strange happenings. Cats turned to dogs, dogs into fish. Pigs have been spotted with wings." Lydia quickly studied one of the letters sent by a concerned mother. A fish she brought home for her daughter turned into a piranha and ate through the plastic bag. "Stranger still, this is not the first time this has happened. Similar reports from other towns have crossed my desk before."
"There's more?" Constable Miles questioned. He sifted through the pages, skimming them. The reports only extended back five days.
"There were." She quickly corrected. She sensed Constable Miles skepticism in regards to why she hadn't reached out before. "Many witnesses recanted their claims. Stating things returned to normal after three days. Nothing since then."
"Because they moved on to elsewhere." Lydia assumed by the trouble in Hamil.
"We are approaching day six in Hamil and these occurrences are showing no signs of slowing."
"Has anyone been hurt?" Lydia reviewed claims on the reports. So far no one tells of being hurt. At least those who complained.
"Thankfully, no. But the threat of not knowing is causing harm." Ursa reached to Lydia, placing a hand on her wrist. Her glossy eyes beseeched Lydia. "I just need to know if this is an attack...or just a random act of sorcery." Lydia and Cedric exchanged stares. It's not above a sorcerer - or anyone with magic - to rile a town or two. Or attack.
Cedric and Lydia quickly huddled together, simultaneously skimming the reports and comparing them with witness claims. Constable Milles allowed them thinking room, all the while amazed they weren't trying to kill each other. Ursa watched them with hope beaming in her eyes. Lyndor is not equipped to deal with any sort of attack. Peace reigned through Enchancia since King Roland the First. That is partly her fault. Days of peace bear hints of chaos. In this day and age where sorcery is part of the majority she should have anticipated something like this and prepared for it.
"These are nothing more than impish pranks." Cedric announced, slapping the files down. "Childish antics."
"Pranks?" Ursa snarled. Perhaps she was overreacting. But Cedric's standoffish indifference rubbed her sorely. "You call terrifying people and causing panic a prank? Do you know how scared my people are for themselves."
Lydia pinched Cedric. She glared, urging him to be a little more sensitive to the situation. "Forgive him. His cynicism outweighs his courtesy." She hissed at him. Cedric rolled his eyes. "But what he says is true. Flying pigs, cats barking, fish doing jigs - all of these a grade school pranks. Anyone with a wand can perform them."
"Then there is no malice behind them?" Ursa questioned antsily.
"I'm afraid the jury is out on that one." Lydia regretfully answered. "They could be pranks, or someone's way of venting. I could not say." Cedric hadn't bothered to give his input. Instead hummed pensively, noticing a map on the wall. Ursa slumped defeatedly. Unless real danger presented itself, she worried causing a country wide panic. Lydia read a young girl's letter. She adamantly states how afraid she is. How her dolls came to life, scaring her and hiding under her bed. Her mother moves on to say her daughter is too terrified to be near a doll. "What I can say is this must be looked into." Ursa's eyes brightened. Lydia gave her a warm smile. "Dad sent us here to help you, and that's what we will do. At the very least our presence can offer a little ease to the minds." Constable Miles nodded in agreement.
"Thank you so much!" Ursa had tears in her eyes. Her attention was lured to Cedric by a thoughtful hum. "Is something the matter?"
"Yes…and no…" Ursa arched a confused brow. Cedric found Hamil on the map. A town call Mercantile was the last one before leaving Lyndor's border. "Where else have these happenings transpired?" Cedric inquired.
"Vanerous Den, Malen Cove, and now Hamil Town." Cedric traced a finger on the outlined trail. He located the towns named and drew a line. Malen was near a harbor, Vanerous by steep hills, and Hamil was in the meadows.
Lydia saw what he was getting at. Her eyes widened. "The trail..."
"What is it?"
Lydia ran her finger over the same line. A literal curve went by the capital. Way past it. "These events are literally passing the capital right by." Hamil is the second to last town before crossing the border out of Lyndor. "Whoever's doing this is leaving Lyndor. Passing through like a tourist."
"Hamil, Vanerous, and Malen - Not too small of towns, but not big either." Cedric muttered to himself. "Popular tourist destination by my recollection."
"What's this mean?" Constable Miles quizzed.
"If tourists are a dime a dozen, they become part of the population. No one really pays them any mind."
"Meaning no one will be able to pinpoint who or what is causing this." Lydia concluded regretfully.
Constable Miles hummed in agreement. "And given Hamil is a prolonged affected area, means someone or something has chosen to take up residence." Ursa lowered her head. She was beginning to lose hope. Hundreds of people lived in Hamil. Most are long term visitors. It's impossible to isolate one new face from the old. "We should investigate."
"Agreed." Cedric and Lydia nodded.
"Really?" Ursa gasped. "Do you think you will be able to find who or what is causing this?"
"We cannot make any promises," Lydia forewarned her, "But there is no harm in looking."
"Thank you. Bertrand."
"Yes, My Lady." He popped out of nowhere.
"Prepare a carriage to Hamil."
"Right away."
Lydia grasped her satchel straps. "Come on." She whispered. Wormwood leered scathingly, perched on the edge of the table. He watched her lift the satchel flap. Then he gawked perplexedly. The book she carried lifted itself into her bag. He rubbed his eyes thinking they were playing tricks. He gawked at the book again just before she closed the bag. It was an ordinary book.
"What in Dragon Alley?" Wormwood mumbled.
"Come along, Wormy." Cedric ordered. Wormwood kept his suspicious sights on Lydia, landing on Cedric's shoulder.
Eezeyal grumbled under his breath, sneering at Wormwood. "Penny for your thoughts?" Lydia proposed. She lent him a wrist.
"That ebony feather duster." He growled, shuffling to the wrist.
"What about him?"
"He was eyein' yew sumthin' feirce." He mumbled ominously. "Watchin' like a chicken hawk stalkin' chickens." Lydia raised a brow at Wormwood. He flashed her a warning glance. His beady eyes diverted to the bag. Lydia tightened her grip on her bag.
"Ubos. Make sure to keep low."
"Of course."
...
The flight to Hamil was rather swift. Bertrand accompanied them as a guide. The people may respond better to a local. Lydia read Ubos during the ride, hoping to find clues to better identify what or who is causing trouble. Mix matching animals isn't a forte of a sorcerer. No transfiguration makes a dog moo. The number of charms needed would definitely be noticed. A potion or special powder might. But they require a close range. These are quick, virtually unnoticeable, and tricky. Can be done in the blink of an eye.
"Huh?" Lydia glanced across, then cringed. Wormwood was giving her the stink eye. Ubos was sweating, feeling those beady eyes bore into him. Cedric raised a brow at him, then sneered at Lydia. "Hmm…mmm..." Lydia nervously behind Ubos. Bertrand and Constable Miles exchanged confused glances. "Ubos, I think he's on to you." She warned inaudibly.
Ubos's face formed on the pages. "He's not. If he was, he'd be confronting you about me." Eezeyal and Lydia held doubts about that. Wormwood's more subtle than Cedric. "Just pretend as if nothing is amiss. Wormwood should let his suspicions fade given time."
"Have you met him?" Lydia and Eezeyal grit their teeth.
"Have I met who?" Constable Miles asked.
"NO ONE!" Lydia slammed Ubos shut, accidentally crushing Eezeyal in the pages. She stifled Ubos from crying out. "Just...um...thinking out loud...about the guy who invented...casual fridays?"
"What are casual Fridays?" Bertrand raised a brow. Lydia blinked blankly. Eezeyal and Ubos couldn't wait to hear her bail out of this one. Cedric and Wormwood were eager to hear this one too.
While Lydia tried to dig herself out of her obvious lie, Constable Miles peered to the town below with a pair of binoculars, getting a sense of the town before their descent. Stone streets and wooden structures. Four town squares flooded by people, a city hall, inns and homes. People entered and exited the lush green forest, carrying sacks, and drawing carts of logs and other provisions. Despite being frightened by the odd happenings, Lydia and the others could see from the carriage everyone was enjoying the day. A good sign. Meaning nothing's gotten too out of hand.
Unbeknownst to the Constable, a woman in a pointed hat sneered at the passing carriage. A sinister grin stretched her cheeks. "Fresh meat."
...
"FRESH FISH! COME AND GET THE FRESHEST FISH IN LYNDOR!"
"CREAM STUFFED BAGELS! HOT OUT OF THE OVEN!"
"NEW FROM ENCHANCIA WEEKLY! NOCTURNE GOBLINS! CUDDLY OR CURTLY!"
Constable Miles, Cedric, and Lydia were taken aback by the townspeople's bustle. Far more lively than the view from the carriage depicted. One woman actually walked up to Cedric and planted a welcoming kiss on his cheek. His cheeks turned bright red. Wormwood, Eezeyal, and Lydia snickered at his expense. Constable Miles and Bertrand applauded the sorcerer. The woman winked flirtatiously, carrying on her way to a florists.
"Well then…" Cedric huffed past flushed cheeks, "The people certainly are friendly."
"Can't admire them for taste." Lydia snorted. Cedric grunted, turning redder. "In all seriousness…" Lydia admired the happy go lucky people, marveling at them going about their day in the norm. "For people being pranked they sure are happy. In Dunwitty people would have their pitch forks and torches."
"In Lyndor there is a policy everyone takes up subconsciously." Bertrand blissfully elucidated, smelling the joy radiating in the air. "Do not allow misery company. Meaning: when someone is trying to bring you down, go about the day as if they aren't there."
"A wise policy." Constable Miles commended. "This should make our investigation a bit smoother."
"How should we go about this?" Lydia asked Bertrand.
"Four of the seven people who reached out to us are just down these two streets." Hamil's entry was a literal Y road, splitting into the town to other streets. "Their addresses and names are on these." He passed around small slips of paper. "Perhaps splitting up will serve us better."
"A splendid idea!" Constable Miles blurted.
"HEY!" Lydia roared. Constable Miles stole Bertrand, dragging him down Railen's Way. "Where do you-"
"You and Cedric don't mind spending quality time together, do you?" Constable Miles inquired menacingly, edging further and further into the crowd. "Might help you both your marital issues."
Lydia and Cedric sank. Marital issues? They groaned mentally. They glanced skeptically at each other. Blushes broke across their cringing faces. "WE'RE NOT-" Constable Miles vanished. And Bertrand with him. Cedric Lydia glared daggers in Constable Miles and Bertrand's direction. Thunderous clouds formed over their heads. A man selling sausages snuck one under the cloud. A stray thunder strike from both clouds smoked it.
"Have I yet to mention he is the second person I hate?" Cedric growled.
"Who's number one?" Lydia asked, slightly nervous of his answer.
"Baileywick."
That was a shock. "Really?! Wow…" She trailed off, cheeks flushed.
"What? Did you think you were number one?" He teased. Lydia cough bashfully, glancing shyly in another direction. He chuckled mockingly. "Aw now, Princess, I don't hate you…" He casually yet unnervingly draped an arm around her shoulder. Lydia weaved away, finding his close face nauseating, "You're that minor bump in the road I take pleasure stomping on every day." A vein in Lydia's head popped. She stepped on his foot. "YOUCH!" Cedric jumped, cradling his foot.
"How's that for stepping on roadblocks?!"
"THAT'S IT! YOU'RE NUMBER THREE ON THE LIST OF PEOPLE I DESPISE!"
"GOOD! YOU'RE NUMBER TWO ON MINE!"
"Two?" Cedic scoffed, sounding offended. He and Wormwood arched a curious brow, "Who, may I ask, is the unfortunate one?"
"A certain yellow and orange garden fairy I'm happy is on the opposite side of the world." She stormed ahead, immersing herself in Laeren Drive's crowd. Cedric followed, intrigued by this yellow and orange fairy she knew. "Now if only I could send him to her." She muttered.
"Now, now. Let us be civil, Princess." Eezeyal sniggered, petting her head.
"A little civility goes a long way, Lydia." Ubos lectured.
"So does a fully loaded cannon. Or a catapult" Ubos and Eezeyal swallowed nervous lumps.
Cedric and Wormwood shared smirks. "I must admit, Wormwood, she's cute when she's angry." Wormwood gagged on air. "What?" Wormwood shook his head, refusing to answer. "Don't judge me, Wormy! Mister I can't stop staring at the late night nightingale." Wormwood squawked offended.
A young navy haired girl wearing a pointed hat stalked close by, snickering under her breath.
…
Bertrand kept glancing back with unease. A tense chill filled the air. He wiped beads of sweat onto a handkerchief. Constable Miles was moseying along as if nothing were wrong. "Are we sure it was wise to leave the Princess and Master Cedric alone?" He shuddered. He couldn't understand how Constable Miles was so...carefree.
"They may play the part of rivals to a Tee," Cedric and Lydia were the star attraction, "But Cedric and Lydia are actually quite fond of each other." He could have fooled Bertrand. Those two were as friendly to each other as needles to a balloon. "Think of it this way," Constable Miles continued, noticing Bertrand's skepticism, "Cedric dislikes Lydia because she is young and full of potential. Lydia dislikes Cedric because he is her predecessor and is recognized for his experience."
"Is it really so simple?"
"Not even close. But it offers some kind of peace of mind." Bertrand rolled his eyes. "Believe me, if we could figure those two out, King Roland will have addressed it."
"They've yet to kill each other. That is a good sign." Bertrand drew a silver lining. Constable Miles considered it. Then he worried he set the guillotine for that. "Believe me when I say, those two are quite the pair."
A newspaper lowered, revealing the navy haired woman. Her pointed orange cap floated to her head. "Hmm...who are this Cedric and Lydia? They sound like fun." She pouted irritably. "Why do I give Lucinda all the good targets?"
...
A little girl tossed Lydia a ball. Lydia juggled it with her feet, passing it back. The little girl burst in laughter, chasing after it. Eezeyal landed on the ball, running and rolling it along. The little girl tried to catch him. Wormwood rolled his eyes, sneering at such folly.
"So the lamps above your doorstep began wasp nests?" Cedric asked the mother, joining her at a table on her front porch.
"It was so frightening." She offered him tea. He politely declined. "We were awoken in the middle of the night by buzzing. My daughter is allergic, so she was in a panic." The little girl chased too catch Eezeyal. He dove just seconds before. Lydia laughed adoringly. She snuck behind her and grabbed the girl by the waist, tickling her. "It's so nice to see her enjoying herself."
"Do you remember anything specific?" Cedric quizzed the woman, ignoring the disgusting - but heartwarming - display. The mother went to mention something, then reconsidered with a shake of her head. She thought it was too foolish to say. "Please. Any little thing will help us."
"Well..." Lydia and Cedric saw the gears turning. Her mind debating whether or not to say. "Erma did say she saw someone." Lydia stopped playing with Erma for a moment, listening closely. "Before she noticed the wasps, she said she saw someone flying away. Two of them."
"Two people flying?" Cedric questioned.
"And they laughed real scary like. Like this - EGH-HEE-HEE-HEE-HA-HA!" Her cackled frightened Wormwood and Eezeyal into an embrace. Erma cowered in Lydia's arms. "They laughed and took off into the air. But my mom says I might have dreamt the whole thing."
"Maybe not..." Lydia mumbled to herself. She and Cedric exchanged nods. She shuffled grass blades. Beautiful daisies blossomed. She handed them to the in awe Erma. "Here."
"SO PRETTY! THANK YOU!" Erma hugged Lydia and then ran to her mom.
"Thank you, Ms. Young. We'll be on our way."
"Thank you for coming." Ms. Young lifted Erma, smelling the daisies. "It's nice to know we're being tended to."
"Of course." Lydia curtsied and Cedric bowed. The two turned on their heels, wandering down a grassy, stone laid path. Ms. Young and Erma watched them disappear in the crowd, happy too see two caring individuals. The two entered their home, wanting to get on with the rest of their day.
A little girl scampered by, cackling menacingly. She caught sight of Cedric and Lydia as they barely turned down the street. She twirled a stick carved wand, teasing the air with a glittering dust. "This'll be too easy."
...
"If Lady Ursa ever held doubts of magic, Erma just erased them." Lydia announced. Rounding onto a new street, Cedric and Lydia found their way into a new crowd. A woman offered them a welcoming slice of a new pie sample. They politely declined. "Someone's tormenting these people with sorcery. If this keeps up, it may spark wayward opinions."
"Indeed." Sorcerers are already kept at an arm's length due to waning popularity. It doesn't help that sorcerers before them caused the turmoil. Merlin set the bar pretty high. As have Goodwin the Great, and Queen Elsa. It's still a work in progress. "Two flying people who can turn lamps into beehives. Make dogs bark. Probably can turn lead into gold." Cedric pondered. The last part was a bit of a joke. It sounded familiar.
"Sorcerers levitate. I don't think we can fly."
"You would be correct."
"An alchemist, maybe?" Lydia shrugged.
"Alchemists aren't known for subtlety. And they do not fly so much as give themselves a lift." Lydia tilted her head curiously. She's never met an alchemist. She does know they utilize crude science and symbols. Numerous chemical compounds her head would split open trying to remember. Lydia will have to take his word for it. "No...the people we're looking are subtle, quick, and can fly with little to no effort. Their magic undoubtedly requires no incantation."
"I've never met anyone like that."
"Neither have I."
A young boy tripped, falling to his stomach. Lydia dropped down, helping him back on his feet. He started to cry. A scrape stung his knee. Lydia touched two fingers to her lips then to his wound. An icy blue ring coated the scrape, curing the stinging. The little boy stopped crying. He studied the scrape. Lydia gave him a bright smile. He smiled back with teary eyed smile, nodding to her in thanks. He ran after his mother, taking her hand as he excitedly told her what Lydia did for his cut.
"I've also never met anyone so compatible with children."Cedric remarked slyly. "Little Erma, and now the little boy. A regular child whisperer you are." Lydia blushed, itching the back of her head bashfully. "I don't think I've ever seen a child smile so brightly. Aside from Sofia, James, and Amber."
"I've...always been good with kids." She rasped, a little embarrassed. "I like making them smile."
"It shows. Well done." He complimented her. It threw her for a loop. He's never really - ever - complimented her. Sincerely. It brought a blush to her cheeks. "If being a princess or a sorceress doesn't work out, you'll do brilliantly as a babysitter."
"And the moment's ruined." Lydia groaned.
"Oh. Were we having a moment?" He teased.
"Yes! And as usual your mouth ruined it!"
"Has it?" He strongly planted a hand on her head, pushing her bangs over her flushed cheeks. "Or has my mouth simply uttered a truth you dislike hearing?" Lydia grit her teeth. This time Cedric evaded her stomping his toe with a simple step back. He raised his hands, smirking impishly. "Harming me isn't going to change anything."
The navy haired girl peered around a barrel. She knelt to knee, keeping her eccerntic garb and cape from hooking to loose nails. She smirked at Cedric and Lydia, completely distracted by their petty squabbling. "These two are making things too easy."
"Yeah, well, it makes me feel better." Lydia tightened a fist. "Punching you is great therapy!"
The girl raised her wand. The clothes line over their heads simply beckoned to her. "Buckets of slime? Leeches? Or itching powder?" The possibilities were endless.
"You should consult a therapist about your violent tendencies." Cedric teased.
"Ooh! Leeches that spew itchy slime!" The girl was giddy at her brillant plan. "Perfect!" She aimed the wand for the overhead clothing.
"And all signs will point back to you! Huh?" Lydia glanced past him.
"What?" Cedric turned around. His eyes widened. They spotted the little girl by the barrel.
"Uh-oh!" The girl froze.
"Is that…a wand?" Lydia gasped.
"You there! Stop!" Cedric demanded.
"Oh no!" She scrambled to get from behind the barrel. Cedric stormed straight for her. She drew her wand back. Cedric stopped, wary of the primitively crafted wand. "HEX!" She flicked the wand forward. Cedric staggered to a halt. He and Lydia saw a stream strike the clothing. It melted into slime, drenching Cedric and Lydia completely. "Not itchy or leeches, but it'll work." The girl took this opportunity to run.
"I don't think so!" Lydia's finger slipped trying to grasp her wand. She clamped it in both palms, shakily aiming it for the running girl. "Instead of a fall make it a trip," She slopped some of the slime on the wand tip,"Icky goo give her the slip!" Lydia brought her wand back and swung it like a bat, launching three globs of slime. The slime coated the ground.
"WHHOOAA!" The girl's feet slipped out from under her. She landed on her back with a hard thud. She groaned dazedly, her pointy hat lying an inch over her head.
"Very well done." Cedric commended, wiping as much - or little - of the slime. The girl flipped over on her stomach, taking it slow as she pushed up on her hands and knees. A boot and dress shoe stamped in front of her. The girl pushed on her butt, fretfully shuffling away Cedric and Lydia. Their glares were harsh enough to burn steel.
"Alright, kid! Who and what are you?" Lydia demanded to know. Her wand was aimed for the girl's forehead.
"A little witch!" Cedric sneered, aiming his wand.
"A witch? In Lyndor?" Lydia studied the little witch dubiously. She bore heated eyes at Lydia. She clumsily took up her wand. It shook in her grasp. Nonetheless, Lydia kept her distance.. "When did witches become so...cute?"
"I'M NOT CUTE!" She snarled.
"Well you aren't terrifying either." Cedric snarled, edging the wand closer to her. The little witch bore her teeth at Cedric. She curled her fingers tighter to her wand. She hummed thoughtfully, scrolling her eyes down. The slime at Cedric and Lydia's feet gave her an idea.
"Cedric!" Lydia forcefully lowered his wand. "There's no need to harm her! She's a kid!"
"A kid with a wand and plenty of tricks up her sleeve!" He stressed how dangerous she could be. Taking her lightly would probably cost them. Lydia's stern glare made him groan in defeat. "Fine. But don't expect me to not at least kick her if she acts up." Lydia took a step back, raising her hands. She held no qualms about that. Cedric wrenched the little witch onto her feet. "You, my dear, have a lot of explaining to do to the Marquess."
"Sorry. She'll have to wait! HEX!" She hexed the slime on the ground. A gust of smoke erupted in Cedric and Lydia's faces. They staggered back, choking on the harsh fumes. The little witch cackled victoriously, prancing about the street, fluttering her dress. "As I said! You two are too easy! I gotta go meet my mom!" She circled her hand, grinning menacingly at the suffocating sorcerers. "But here's one more little gift before I do! HEX!" A stream pierced the smoke. Lydia and Cedric were knocked on their backs. "BYE-BYE!"
"WAIT!" Lydia choked. The fumes stung her eyes harshly.
The little witch snatched a random broom leaning against a wall. She tossed it in the air and sat on it. Holding the neck tight she rode it off into the sky, cackling like the wicked witch she was. "Mom is going to get a kick out of this!"
...
The smoke began to clear on the flowing breeze. Cedric felt a breath of fresh air begin to fill his lungs. "Well...that was...pleasant!" He coughed between words. "Still wish I hadn't kept my wand on her?"
"FINE! YOU WIN!" The stinging left Lydia's eyes. "SEND HER TO THE MOON!" Lydia leaned up on an elbow. By the time her sight returned to her, the little witch was gone. "DANG! When we find her, you can send her to the moon." She corrected herself, climbing to her feet.
"Deal..." Cedric rose with her, dusting himself off. "Now...which way did that witch go?" Cedric pondered. There were three ways she could have retreated. Thankfully no people were attracted by the commotion. Lydia and Cedric were, maybe, embarassed by being beaten by an eight year old. Cedric and Lydia individually debated on the route the little witch would take.
"It's this way!" They declared together, walking in opposite direction. There was an yet strong tug their arms, crashing their backs into one another. "OW!" The two massaged their sore heads. The fall left them with nice sized lumps.
"Do you mind letting go?! I'm trying to chase a witch!" Lydia hissed.
"What do you think I'm trying to do?!" Cedric glared scatchingly. "Now release me!" He pulled.
"You let me go first!" She pulled back.
"Must you be such a child?!"
"I'm the child? You're the-" Eezeyal came crashing into Lydia's head, violently ruffling her hair. "OW! Ezee!"
"WORMY!" Cedric wrestled with Wormwood clawing at his hair. "What has gotten into the two of you?"
Eezeyal and Wormwood assuaged Lydia and Cedric's squabbling. Having their undivided attention, Wormwood and Eezeyal skipped along their owner's arm, luring their attention to their hands. Cedric and Lydia's souls left their bodies. All color went unhealthily pale in their cheeks. Slime had glazed itself like a glove to Cedric's left hand and Lydia's right hand. A thick line conjoined them at the wrist.
"Tell me this isn't happening!" Lydia pleaded.
"Only if you pinch me to confirm I'm dreaming."
Eezeyal and Wormwood regretfully shook their heads. By the slime that was dropped on them, Lydia and Cedric were now joined at the hand.
And so they shall be until next time.
Sorry if the chapter seemed weak. I wrote this suffering from a headache.
Later