Magic's Leach

Moving on.

xxx

"Ah! Fauna! There you are!" Winifred piped exuberantly.

Fauna made a slight detour before joining her fellow magic wielders at the peak of Mistbow Mountain. Slight being she went a sum amount of miles out of the way. Her willing companion, and partner in crime, Wilder the Wooly Wombeast, was escorted back to his den at the top of the Horrid Hills. Fauna wished to ascertain where the name Horrid Hills came from. She finds them quite peaceful. The eerie plants and nightly fog aside. With the sun close to setting, said fog was starting to form as she flew at her top speed back to Mistbow.

"Sorry for the delay!" She giggled. She flicked her glasses, throwing a strange liquid to the ground. Merryweather and Flora cringed at the moisture soaking her collar. "Wilbur wouldn't let me leave without saying goodbye...profusely." She removed and tipped her hat, patting a waterfall of Wombeast saliva to a dying weed. Her sisters couldn't help twisting in revulsion.

"Speaking of good friends, Ms. Fauna…" Goodwin trailed with a serious tone. He's pleased Fauna and Wilbur had a joyous reunion. But there is the matter of Lydia's progress. "Flora expressed concern for Princess Lydia not too long ago. Saying she appeared fatigued." Flora anxious hugged her elbows. Fauna gave her a slip to use to postpone the test until the next morning. Grant her a night to rest. A wisp will appear when it is in use. The fact a wisp has yet to appear can only mean Lydia is choosing to be stubborn and continue. "How was she when you saw her?"

"At first blush she seemed fine." Fauna answered sincerely. Flora and Merryweather seemed stunned by her response. She wasn't finished. "However, as we spoke, I couldn't help noticing she was a little flushed. And it wasn't from saving Wilbur."

"So she HAS exhausted herself." As Flora expected. While it is like Lydia to push herself and run on fumes, her level of exhaustion didn't seem to mesh properly. By Fauna baffled expression, she saw it too. "Were you able to figure out how?"

"No, and that worries me." Fauna propped her elbow on her hand, curling her knuckles to her chin. She furrowed her brow in perturbed thought. "The duel, her lessons, and during her travels as princess," Fauna and her sisters have monitored Lydia progress as a sorceress and princess very closely, "Lydia has displayed care, and has minded her stamina. She was doing so at the beginning of her test."

"Then why does she seem so exhausted?" Winifred asked apprehensively.

"I don't know." Fauna remorsefully shook her head. She looked to the declining mountain, imagining a weary Lydia planning to brave the trek to the top. "I just hope she overcomes it, or admits she can't compete the test tonight."

xxx

Lezard and Cedric returned with all three of the canteens filled to the caps with water. There was enough for the night, and the final trek before the peak. Cedric muttered angrily under his breath. Bright red cheeks making cherries pale. The steam pouring from his ears had Lezard smiling. He almost developed a craving for tea. As the pair of sorcerers returned to the would-be camp site, a bag was flung and struck Cedric square in the stomach, robbing the wind out of him. He dropped the canteens and fell hard on his butt. Wormwood and Lezard winced, feeling the impact. He groaned loudly, shaking the bag onto his lap. His bag! He curses that he brought so much junk along for this trip.

"What is Hera Horns was that for?!" Cedric fumed. He ducked last second as Eezeyal narrowly dive bombed his head. "HEY!" He raised a vengeful fist. The owl perched at the top of a boulder. Talons primped and He stifled his uproar watching Lydia roughly throw her satchel around her shoulder. She aggressively threw rice balls. Lezard and Cedric fumbled on their catches. Lydia proceeded with her rather mysterious rampage by shoving her equipment back into her bag. A profane word or two rose above an inaudible whisper. Cedric glanced back at Lezard, wondering if he saw the same tense wrinkle in her brow he did. He saw it. Lydia was beyond upset. But about what? It was hard to ask when she made an effort to avoid eye contact. "Princess Lydia?" He called again, cautiously rising to his feet.

"LET'S GO!" She boomed. Lezard and Cedric were aghast. She was a completely different person from a few minutes ago. "We're burning daylight!" Lydia was folded a piece of paper into a triangular shape. Sharp wings extending like a flying machine. She whispered to the paper. A gentle blow. A sparkling blue breeze carried it into the distance. "You guys want to sit around, go sit with Amber in the tea room!" Rather gruff of her. Lezard and Cedric were almost offended. Wormwood whistled with a loss of breath.

"Lydia…" Lezard tiptoed as he moved in, "Are you-"

Lydia unsheathed her wand down her sleeve to her hand. The peach glowing tip hitched Lezard's words in the middle of his throat. "Ask me if I'm fine and I'll throw you off the damn cliff myself!" Lezard threw his hands up and backed away. Cedric kept as far away as possible. Wormwood was clamping his beak closed, fighting the urge to roll over laughing. This is working out perfectly! He guffawed in his mind. "Now let's go! I'd actually like to finish before this mountain kills me!" Lydia shoved her way past rocks, darting to the trail. Eezeyal flew to her shoulder, nesting close to her neck.

"Does she seem…" Lezard walked on eggshells finding the right word, "Tense to you?" Tense? Try Doctor Jekyll turning into Mr. Hyde in the course of 20 minutes.

"A...bit…" Cedric had to admit. He's seen Lydia upset before. But this. Something happened while he and Lezard were gone.

As the two sorcerers jogged to catch up to Lydia, Wormwood silently praised himself for a job well done. "Now she'll have to keep her distance."

xxx

Dinner at the palace seemed to lack an amicably enthusiastic luster. Chef Andre prepared an exquisite meal as he always does. Leaving no corners cut. Succulent ham topped with pineapple rings dripping with juices. Squares of butter melting in fresh mash potatoes. Freshly baked baguettes. And, because the day begged for it, perfectly fermented apple cider. A feast for legendary kings and their families. The day was beautiful. The approaching night was just as gorgeous. The servants were full of glee. And yet - the overwhelming elephant in the room - the empty chair nearest Roland, across from Sofia, had the Royal family idly picking at their food. The cider untouched, and the jiggly-wiggly pudding completely ignored.

"She should be there by now…" Amber mumbled. James and Miranda heard her. She raised her voice slightly. "She should be at the top by now! The fairies, Goodwin, and Winifred - we'd be told when she was at the top, right?!" The panic trembled her voice.

"W-what if something happened?!" The anxiety flowed to James. "What if she's hurt and needs our help?!"

"Hurt?! Lydia's hurt?! " Sofia squeaked, tears forming in her eyes. "But she said she'd be fine! She's always fine! Nothing hurts Lydia!" Sofia's rational mind succumbed to her fear. Lydia was taking way too long. She's never gone this long. "We have to get Constable Miles!" Sofia stood on her chair. "Lydia might-"

"WHOA, SOFIA!" Roland caught her just as she jumped. "Easy, Sweetheart! There's no need to call Constable Miles." He gently cooed, sitting her on her lap.

"But Dad-" James' protest halted by Miranda reaching across to his hand.

"Lydia is fine." Miranda reassured him with a warm smile. "If she were in any danger, we'd know."

"When?!" Amber animatedly slapped her hands to the table. "So far we haven't been told how far she's gotten? Or if she's even near the top?" Amber showed her parents the last letter they received. "All we know is she's still climbing! And that was hours ago!"

"Goodwin and Winifred said the test can be drawn out." Rolanda reminded them. "Even your teachers confirmed it."

"Lydia will want to pace herself on this hike." Miranda explained, ensuring her children understand this was not uncommon. "And, just as we would when she's near the top, we would be informed if she was hurt." James, Amber, and Sofia uniformly sighed. They knew their parents were right. They're always right. But still. They can't help fearing the worst.

"Look up there!" Sofia gasped, pointing to a high window. A triangle paper soared on a stream of glittering light, steering for the dining table. Sofia bounced herself and caught it. "I know this! It's flying paper Lydia uses! When we pass notes at night!" She excitedly began to unfold it. Her family scooted shot from their chairs, huddling and climbing on one another.

"What's it say?! What's it say?!" Amber pressed.

"It says…"

Dear Sofia,

Sorry for the late update. This is the first trial where 'Trying' is the key. It's tiring.

Miranda and Roland sniggered. Sounds like she's doing great.

I hope you and the others aren't worried. I'm doing fine. I'm already past the halfway point and am near the peak.

I wish you, Amber, and James could have come. There's so much up here. The beauty, the adventure - so much to talk about when I get home.

Even to Amber, Lydia sounded as if she was having the time of her life. She'll have to climb Mistbow Mountain one day. You know. When the outdoors aren't so...outdoorsy.

It's getting pretty late. Lezard, Cedric, and I might stop for the night. I'll send a message before you go to sleep. I promise.

Sofia was going to hold her to that promise.

I'd better get going. Two more testS and I'm a Novice Sorceress. YAY!

Sofie. Can you do me a huge favor and make sure my spellbook is okay? It tends to get antsy when the magic isn't used regularly.

While the passage confused the others, Sofia giggled at it. Ubos does tend to get a little anxious when Lydia is gone for too long.

And DON'T you, Amber, and James stay up all night worrying about me! I mean it! Get some sleep!

Oh yeah! Tell Mom and Dad the riceball caplets they helped me fix are great!

Miranda and Roland high fived each other, and granted points to Lydia for playing mom.

See you all when I reach the top.

Love,

Lydia. (Butterfly mark)

"Are three satisfied?" Roland placed a hand to James and Sofia's head. The trio released held breaths, placing hands to their hearts. They worried for nothing. So far. "And you heard her. Go get ready for bed."

"Alright!" Sofia slid off his lap. "But I'm going to go check on U-I MEAN-her spellbook before I do!" She laughed nervously. A close call. That didn't save her from the strange looks. "Uh...BYE!" She sped for her life before anyone could comment.

"Wonder what's so special about that book?" Miranda tapped her chin. "Lydia fusses over it quite a lot."

"I'm sure she's just taking care of it." Roland waved off. Lydia pattern of strange behavior has become a norm for him. Carrying on conversations with Eezeyal, talking profusely to herself. He assumes it's a mechanism for her work. "And I'm glad she's letting Sofia help her.

xxx

A third bowl of eaten fruit was set aside with the other empty bowls. Strawberries, blueberries, grapes - Ubos spat up seeds caught in his teeth. A hassle, but worth it. He finds fruit relaxing to eat. And he needed to relax. Lydia and Eezeyal haven't come home, and haven't been reported near the top in hours. Maybe having some of the potatoes and ham would help ease him. Eating fruit is nice, but he needs more to distract himself with. Maybe spending all his time in Lydia's room and the library aren't beneficial to his health. When he thinks about it, he's inadvertently made them his roosts.

Three knocks made Ubos pause. "Mr. Ubos? It's me?" The door opened. Sofia poked her head in.

"Princess Sofia! Hello!" He floated to her, helping her push the door closed. "What brings you here?" Sofia opened the letter from earlier. Ubos skimmed the contents, and lit up ardently learning Lydia was fine. "Thank the spirits! That girl has a way of worrying on old man."

"Tell me about it!" Sofia's aged three years in the last few hours. Though good news was given, Sofia was clearly down about what's on her mind. "Ubos...do you think Lydia really is alright?"

The question baffled him. It also reminded him of a disturbance he sensed not too long ago. "Why do you ask, Sofia?" Ubos silently pondered if her Amulet granted Sofia abilities she isn't aware of.

"I just...got this feeling…" Sofia rubbed her arms fretfully. "For a second...I thought Lydia was in trouble."

"Trouble how?"

"I don't know. Just that…" She bobbed her hands. It was on the tip of her tongue. "I don't know! Something doesn't really feel right! I'm not making sense." She cursed herself.

"No. No you are. I understand perfectly." Ubos comforted her. "There is something amiss. Be it our imaginations or another explanation." Sofia wondered if it was her imagination. "What we can do to ease these feelings is hang on to our faith in Lydia. Okay?"

"Okay. And you're right." Sofia hugged Ubos close. "Thanks, Mr. Ubos."

"No. Thank you."

xxx

In the midst of the rigorous trudging, Lydia lost her breath again. She leaned to a signpost at the center of yet another fork in the road. Her legs were heavy as lead. Her head was spinning. Lezard ran up to her, massaging her back to help coax her breathing. He's done his fair share of traveling and hiking. The higher they went the thinner the air. And given Lydia's fatigue it was imperative she take her time. Lydia was too tired to shrug him off. Not that she would. Right now...she loved his hand. It felt great. She's glad she invited him along. Maybe when the test is over...she'd see about making his stay long term. It'd be nice to have an actual friend in the castle.

Cedric felt her pain. Trying to keep up with her was like chasing a horse. No real surprise. She seems to pull energy and stamina from nowhere. Although, this time, she was running on...aggravation. She hasn't really spoken since they started up again. No snide remarks about his physical ineptitude. He'd move to ask her what was bothering her. The closer he got, the farther she'd move or kill him with a glare. Or Eezeyal would swipe talons at his hand, screech for him to maintain his distance. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't concerned. This change in her mood was uncharacteristic. Even for her.

"Wait here for a bit?" Lezard proposed, urging her to accept. "I'm going to scope the trail, see what's ahead." He cupped her cheeks, tilting her flushed eyes to meet his. "Please stay put."

Lydia smiled resignedly. "Okay. I won't." Lezard pat her on the back like the good soldier that she was. He disappeared in a jog up the trail, leaving Lydia to catch her breath.

Cedric casually approached, passing Lydia a way up Lezard's trail. He crossed his arm, glaring suspiciously at the boy who doesn't seem the least bit affected by the vigorous hike. "Lezard certainly is fit. What's his secret?" Not that he cares. He just wants Lydia to say...something!

"He was one of the stars in our school's track team." Lydia dismissively answered, twisting partially away from him. "Always working on his cardio so the stamina from magic use wouldn't deplete."

"Cardio and well built stamina do not explain how he isn't sweating bullets!" Cedric pounced on the defensive. He wiped the sweat beads to the ground, giving dead plants some moisture to feed on. "That boy hasn't buckled once on this journey. Think he has a secret?" A partial joke that wasn't received well.

"Or maybe…" Cedric's voice worked on her last nerve and she darted to her feet, "The old man is jealous of the dashing young man!"

"JEALOUS?!" Cedric scoffed. She sounds as ridiculous as Lezard. "I'm not jealous of an overly flirty man!"

"You sure sound like you are! Seeing as how you haven't stopped criticizing him since we started!"

"Well excuse me for having no appreciation for someone who doesn't she the most REMOTE concern for his oldest friend!" He thrust his hands at her exhausted form. Lydia's scrunched nose and crossed arms projected she was capable of caring for herself. She doesn't need the strapping young men to treat her like a wounded bunny. No matter how flattering it may be. "I know how capable you are! I just...for no reason...wish for you to be careful!"

"And I wish YOU would keep your thoughts to yourself!" She raised a hand. Cedric staggered at the message. He doesn't understand. Why is she pushing him away so vehemently? Her sneaking a harsh glare at Wormwood baffled him too. Why was Wormwood smiling? What in Powhatan's Plush Pillows is happening here? "And, for the record," Lydia continued, marching after Lezard, "I feel safer with Lezard than a would-be king!" The obvious stab struck him square in the chest. As Lydia took Eezeyal up the trail, Cedric can't help the dreadful nostalgia creeping up his back. How are we back to day one?

xxx

Lezard was rooted by deep thought in a clearing split by the encroaching cliffs. An outpost constructed of sanded wood, no doubt yielded from the surrounding forest, was erected off to the side. In the path was a log donned by a red cloth. The log was attached to some odd contraption in the outpost station. There was a lever. An easy enough obstacle to pass. Too easy. Hearing footsteps behind him, Lezard was reminded that he had two friends and animals waiting for him to report back. Cedric and Lydia emerged from an enclosed tunnel, joining him with the same perplexed looks.

"Is this...part of the test?" Lezard asked.

"Heck if I know." Lydia arched a brow.

"I haven't been up here until now." Cedric shrugged. He closely inspected the outpost. "An odd place to setup a security station." He ran his hand over the opened window. He was impressed by the smooth wood. "It's well maintained."

"Someone actually lives up here?" Lydia tucked hairs behind her ear. Weird place to make a living.

"There's a lever here. All in favor of pulling it?" Cedric raised his hand. Wormwood seconded his motion. Lezard, Eezeyal, and Lydia stood reluctant for a moment longer. There was no one around. And nothing odd or out of place was happening to prove this was part of the test. No objections. Hands were raised. "Unanimous vote! Splendid!" Cedric wrapped both hands to the lever. He dug in his feet.

"NOT SO FAST!"

"AAHH!" Cedric fell out of post.

"YAH!" Lezard and Lydia jumped into each other's arms. A huge eye peaked through the smaller window in the post. Thunderous booms rumbled the ground. Cedric scrambled away, Lezard and Lydia helping drag him to their side. A huge monster like creature wearing cheap chainmail threw his large legs over the impending log, trudging forth with a large axe in his hand. "OGRE!" All three screamed.

"THAT'S RIGHT, TRESPASSERS!" The ogre bellowed. Twigs fell from his curly beard. "I am the Ogre of Mistbow Mountain! Protector of the Sacred Hocus-Croakus, and defender of these trails!" Hocus-Croakus?! Cedric gasped. A very powerful plant. He could use some of that. "None-may-pass!" He stormed closer on each word, forcing the trio back and huddling them close like the lambs they are. Their birds ready to lay eggs in abject terror. "Unless you solve my riddles!" He added cheerfully with a blissful bat of his eyes.

"Uh…" Cedric and Lezard groaned blankly.

"Riddles?" Lydia's face twisted confusedly. Wormwood and Eezeyal were perplexed. So much they ignored their embracing wings.

"THAT'S RIGHT!" The ogre erected himself proudly. "None may pass THIS-SPOT," He stamped the butt of his axe, "Unless they solve my riddles!" He stuck the axe in the ground, leaning lazily as he itched his beard with a disinterest. "And the old man with the funny hat said to ask three or four, so let's skip the rest of the questions, the scared looks - OH - and stop hugging each other. It's very awkward." The trio and birds held no contest in the request. It was too stuffy. "

"Old man?" Lezard remarked.

"With a funny hat?" Cedric added.

"Yeah! His name was...Goodvibe…? Good Morning…? Golden Afternoon...?" The ogre wasn't too good with names.

"Goodwin?!" The three and birds bellowed.

"YEP! DAT'S IT!" The ogre gasped with an epiphany. "He said to ask a girl, two gents, and two birds…" He quickly counted his quests, "That'd be you - three riddles and then let you pass." It would appear previous guesses were wrong. This ogre was brought in for Lydia's test. Albeit a confused participant. Black and white sort of guy, one would assume. "Now! Who so wishes to pass must answer three of my riddles! Think you can do it?" He dared any one of them.

Lezard and Cedric found him safe enough. Maybe a bit unnerving. They helped Lydia walk closer, reassuring her it was safe to continue. She swallowed a massive lump, feeling the tension spread to her spine. Whatever it was wasn't courage. She wanted to run in the opposite direction. "Ask your questions, Orge! I'm not afraid!" She declared. She hoped that trembling wasn't her.

"As you will, Miss…"

"Princess Lydia of Enchancia!"

"Oye! A princess that's a sorceress?!" The ogre hasn't heard of such a thing. Lydia stiffened as his ridiculously huge fingers pinched either side of her head. He lifted her like she was a feather. "Haven't seen a royal with magic since...well...since in a while. You all seem to get young every turn of the century, you do." He set her down. Her knocking knees crippled, dropping her in a frightened daze. Lezard, Cedric, and the birds refrained from laughing. Her wrath would terrify the ogre. "Now back to the riddles!" He reached inside his post, pulling out a huge book. "The old man said...ugh...to use...YES! Use your wand to conjure the answer!" Lydia dizzily moaned her acknowledgement. He wand was...somewhere on her person. Her sleeve. "The first riddle is…" He he held a pair of tiny glasses to a worn page, "What has...a...mouth….but doesn't talk? And runs...but can...not...balk-WALK! Walk! Yes!" He cleared his throat, and gave it another go. "What has a mouth but doesn't talk?! And runs, but cannot walk?!" He tried for an ominous tone. The audience was pleased. It was good.

"Mouth...doesn't talk. Runs...but doesn't...walk?" Lydia never heard of anything like that. She racked her brain to dig up the answer. It was making her tired all over again. She needed water.

"What could it be?" Lezard tapped his chin. Lydia uncapped her canteen, washing water down her throat.

"I would say a person but…" Cedric trailed off, pointing to his lips and legs. "Lydia? What do you think?" Lydia poured some water in her palm. The rippling water made her pause. She hummed curiously. "Lydia?"

"I think I've got it." Careful to not spill her water, Lydia aimed her wand to the water. Lezard crept behind her, resting a hand to her shoulder to see what's got her cryptically putting her wand in the water. "A river!" She swirled her wand. The water streamed in a spiral. Lydia gracefully flourished her wand. The ogre watched fascinated as crystal blue water flowed around him and returned to the open canteen. "A river runs down stream and to a mouth at the end."

The ogre quickly checked the riddle's answer. Lezard squeezed her shoulder. Cedric bit his nails. "CORRECT!" Lydia cheered, making a notch on her score card. "Alright! Next riddle…" He peered to the page, "Closed...I am...noting? NOTHING! Open me up...worlds are...un...leased…?" He triple checked that passage again. "My mistake! Closed I am nothing! Open me up, worlds are unleashed!" He dryly laughed, praising himself for the catch.

"That one's easy." Lydia raised her wand. A sharp pain engraved on the back of her head. She massaged and shook it off. Lezard supported her from behind, hugging his hands to her shoulders. She nodded, assuring him she was fine. Cedric cannot - for the life of him - place what it is that drives him mad watching him touch her so much. Handsy, aren't we? "It's a book." She twirled and flicked her wand. The Ogre's book lifted from his hand, fluttering like a butterfly. "Closed, books are meaningless. But open them up…" A wave of the wand and the book's pages flapped left to right, "And a whole new world is Unicorns, trolls, dragons, and rainbows appeared in mists that evaporated as the book closed.

The ogre retrieved his book and flipped back to the section. "Correct! You're good at this!" Lydia blew on her knuckles, rubbing them boastfully to her chest. "Alright, Ms. Clever Lady! Last riddle. This one is going to be a tough one. Are you ready?"

"I said I wasn't afraid. Bring it on!" She bravely put her hands on her hips.

"Challenge accepted." The ogre scoured for the most challenging riddle he could find. "Alright. Here we go." Lydia braced herself. "I wrap myself tight. Hiding away until I wake. For weeks you will not see me. But when I wake...I'll be reborn anew." The ogre wasn't kidding. That one was tough. Lydia itched her scalp. She isn't sure what's related to that riddle. People? Animals? Flowers? Bugs? It could be anything. "Give up yet?"

"NIET!" Lydia shot a hand up, silencing him. "Let me think!" Hard to think with pressure building on her head. It's unbearable. Her neck felt stiff. Her shoulders were numb to Lezard. His hands felt like weights. "Ugh...man my head hurts."

"Take a breath…" Lezard whispered, running his hands up and down her shoulders. "You'll get it."

"Maybe she'd be able to think more clearly if you'd stop playing leach!" Cedric boomed. He wrenched Lezard off Lydia. How strange. The pressure left her. "We all commend you! You're on her side! Her support! But, for the love of decency, stop hugging her like a lost child!"

"You are quite the enigma, Master Cedric!" Lezard's tolerance for Cedric dissolved. He crossed his arms, barring Cedric from approaching and preventing himself from lashing out. "First you dislike how unattentive I am! Now you GREATLY dislike how attentive I've become!"

"There is a difference between attentive and being a dog! No, no, no! A leach!" Cedric gruffly corrected himself. "Dogs know when to stop! Leaches just keep on clinging!"

"Name calling? How unbecoming of a Royal Sorcerer!" Lezard barked. "How to great sorcerers of their age conceived an embarrassment like you!"

"I BEG YOUR PARDON!"

"BOTH OF YOU! SHUT THE HELL UP!" Lezard and Cedric froze. Lydia was frothing at the mouth, pulling her hair. Wormwood and the ogre gaped stunned by the language. Eezeyal, on the other hand, sided with her. Her horrible language will be left to slide. "I'M REGRETTING BRINGING EITHER OF YOU! JUST SHUT UP AND LET ME THINK!" She hyperventilated, on the verge of exploding into pieces. For a third time. Lezard and Cedric let their feud die on the flames. Arguing further would lead them virtually nowhere. Lydia drummed fingers to her pounding skull. By the little tingles she'd swear caterpillars were on her mind. Caterpillar? "Hold on…" She thoughtfully lifted her wand. Caterpillar? No. No. But they do… "I think I got it." She whispered.

"Whatcha thinkin', Liddy?" Eezeyal perched to her head.

"What is your answer?!" The ogre asked. "And please make it quick!" He showed her an hourglass he had strapped to his wrist. "It's almost lunch time."

"Yes. Yes. Sorry." Lydia shook her head. She swished her wand, gathering a bit of energy at the tip. "It's a butterfly." She conjured a butterfly over the ogre. He was entranced by the dust sprinkling from the fluttering wings.

"CORRECT! Congratulations, Princess!" The ogre praised, closing his book. "You passed the test!"

"YES!" Lydia thrust a fist, spinning around. Lezard and Cedric applauded her. They never would have guessed a butterfly. "Alright! One more test and I'm as good as Novice level!"

"HUP-UP-UP! Not so fast!" The ogre stretched a hand in her path. He directed her attention to the sky. "You see the lacking daylight?"

"Yeah?"

"The mountain is too dangerous to climb at night. Magic or not!" Before Lydia could protest, the ogre twisted her to the surrounding wood. "In there is a clearing. The river running near the geysers flows past there too. Make camp, come back in the morning, and I'll lift the gate for you and your friends."

"Come on!" Lydia whined, whipping around. "I can keep...going…" The world was spinning. She stumbled briefly, regaining her balance.

"You were saying." The ogre challenged.

"We just stopped twice not too long ago!" Lydia continued to argue. "I've rested enough to climb Mount Olympus!"

"Then I'll just give a shout to Morpheus to borrow some sleeping sand!" He pressed a large finger to her forehead. "You're not climbing this mountain at night and that's final!"

Lezard clamped a hand to Lydia's mouth. "AND SHE HUMBLY ACCEPTS YOUR SAGELY ADVICE!" He pushed her to Cedric who took over covering her mouth. "And...please don't take offense to her sharp tongue. She's cranky when she's tired."

"I can see that!" The ogre put hands on his hips. "And I can forgive it. She really doesn't look too good."

"We keep trying to tell her. Women! Am I right?" Lezard winked.

The ogre can't deny that. "Go make camp! I'll see the lot of you in the morning."

"Yes sir."

"Ugh…" Lydia groaned. Her head was pounding again. "Yeah...yeah...see you...morning…" Gosh...my head! She can barely form a decent sentence. On top of the drumming, there was a ringing in her ears. And the tension in her neck and shoulders wasn't helping in the slightest. Why does her head hurt so badly? "Sofia…"

"What about her?" Cedric spoke softly.

"I...need...to let her know we're spending the night." Talking worsened the migraine.

"Let's make it to the clearing first." Cedric urged.

"Here…" Lezard turned Lydia around and forcefully wrapped his arms to her legs, "I know you hate being carried," He thrust up, leaving her no choice but to hold on, "But you have no say in the matter!" He squeezed hard to keep her from falling. Her legs filled with that lead feeling she was starting to hate. Lydia would argue, but her head hurt too much. She's exhausted. Camp sounds great. "Off we go!" He chanted, skipping off to the woods.

Cedric watched amazed by Lezard's strength. No one should have the strength to hold a person. Let alone carry them. No amount of cardio should contribute to that.

A half hour passed and the sky's orange hue paved to navy. The stars twinkled brightly. The full moon basking evergreen trees in white-blue luminescent glow. Lydia got a fire going, feeding it dead brush and a few thick sticks. She got to work on her letter while Lezard and Cedric caught their breath.

"Remember Professor Arngrim's class?" Lezard asked with a chuckle. "How he would take us on those long winded trips and treat us to a camp out?"

"Oh yeah!" Lydia beamed, pausing just a moment from her letter. "Joseph ended up falling into poison oak!" She lurched forward in a laughing fit. "He was covered head to toe in ointment and bandages." The two shared a laugh. Cedric found small humor in the tale. It was quelled by Lezard starting to speak.

"I get itchy just thinking about it." Lezard scratched his back. "I'm glad he was okay, though."

"How did he overcome the full body infection?" Cedric engrossed himself in the conversation.

"When we got back to the school, the teacher submerged him to the neck in a bubbling ointment." Lezard said with a twisted smile. Cedric bobbed his head. Sounds smart. "Poor guy had to sit in there for three hours."

"I'd imagine so. Poison oak is no joke."

"Joseph sure didn't find it to be so." Lydia added. Which reminds her. She needs to get back in touch with him when she gets home.

"And I will relish in regaling Master Cedric in more of our escapades," Lezard sauntered for thick bushes, "Nature calls. I shall return shortly."

"Take your time…" Lydia trailed off, working on the last sentence. Lezard planned to.

"Quite the unique friend you have there." Cedric couldn't help the cynicism in his voice.

"Are you shocked by the friends I have?" Lydia sarcastically remarked.

"I'd be more shocked if they weren't...eccentric."

"Guess that's a compliment." Lydia snorted. She glared harshly to him, "Wasn't sure you had any left for the night!"

"You aren't upset about the arguing, are you?"

"Cedric…" She sucked on her lips, "There is so much I'm upset about…" She angrily folded the paper into the unique triangle, "It may very well be the reason I'm so tired!" She blew on the wings. Magic interwove the breeze to the wings, carrying it toward the palace. Cedric sadly watched the paper fly away. He turned to plead an explanation. "Now good night! We have a long day ahead of us!"

Cedric stammered to keep her attention another minute longer. Lydia put a hand over her ear and snored obnoxiously. There was no talking to her. Eezeyal soon lied beside her, emitting the same loud snoring. Cedric gave up. He still can't fathom what's brought on this trend of contempt. Not that he should be taken aback. Her moods towards him change like the weather. He often wondered if she suffered a mental illness. Once he saw Wormwood asleep, Cedric deflated against a tree. He'll fall asleep a little later. There's too much on his mind right now.

xxx

The castle followed the way of the sun and gradually fell asleep. Miranda and Roland finished reading their favorite books just before candles out. James and Amber were out like lights the second they lied down. Sofia, on the other hand, tried to stay awake. Just a bit longer. Lydia promised to send a letter if she was going to spend the night in the woods. And she never breaks a promise. Least of all to Sofia. She had to hold on. Another few minutes.

Well after nightfall, Sofia was in her nightgown, her teeth brushed, and her face was washed. She was ready for bed, and still there was no letter. Ubos joined Sofia in her room. The two wished for each other's company. A means to comfort one another while lydia was away. He pulled back her sheets. Sofia climbed in and the thick blankets covered her. Ubos lied on the pillow beside her, snuggling in the plush feathers. Sofia gazed uneasily out her window. Her mind raced with dozens of random thoughts and questions. At some point she wondered if Lydia was looking at the same stars, laughing at the funny constellations.

After a while, Sofia's big blue eyes couldn't stay open any longer. Her eyelids bounced steadily, and closed to the world. Ubos admired how peacefully she slumbered. He prayed she would never lose that peace. A cool breeze brushed Ubos's cheek. He spied a familiar piece of folded paper flying in. Ubos wiggled his nose, driving the letter to the bed. Lydia's creativity never ceased to amaze him. He was anxious to read the contents and learn of Lydia's progress. But, as it is addressed to Sofia, Ubos will abstain until the morning.

"Until the morning, my pupil." Ubos returned to the pillow, placing the letter on the small table. "God speed." He closed his eyes.

xxx

Cedric concluded a whisper to his balled fist. Opening the fingers one at a time, a glowing ball of light formed a set of wings. A messenger wisp carrying his voice was ready to deliver his message. He nudged it in the air. The wings flapped rapidly and it flew for the peak. Now all that was left was for the morning to rise. Which will only happen if he sleeps. Lydia, Eezeyal, and Wormwood already had a leg up on him. They were sawing an entire mill. Cedric nestled himself comfortably to his tree. Then he noticed something odd. Lezard hadn't returned yet from...nature.

"What's taking him so long?"

Against his true nature, Cedric grew concerned and went to go check on him. He was careful to not jostle the dirt too much. No sense in awakening the others. Cedric saw him heading for the direction of the river. He parted the bushes and pushed past some low hanging branches, and cursed spiders who decided to weave a web in the middle of the road. He shook off the twigs clinging to his stockings, and finally tripped over an ill placed rock. He angrily puffed dirt sitting at his lips.

"Nature! PAH! Such a nuance!" He insulted mother nature. Thankfully she mostly responds in Greece.

Mysterious ethereal light pierced the darkness just up ahead of him. Tingles crawled over Cedric's skin. His bones vibrated, making every hair on him stand on end. Magic...He scrambled on his hands and feet, darting for the gorgeous array. Cedric slowed his pace, minding where he stepped. He crouched low to the ground, ensuring his hair didn't peak above the bush. As he drew closer, an icy warmth emanated from the crystalline aqua light. An orbit of immense power was causing the surrounding trees and bushes to rustle. Mustering his courage and drawing his wand, Cedric peaked past the last row of brush. His jaw hit the ground. Abject shock widening his eyes.

Boots traced by a white outline standing perfectly atop the surface of the five foot deep river. Thin thread like tentacles sprouting from the water waved animatedly, scaling the legs to the waist. Shapes of animals, bugs, and nymphs road the ethereal streams swirling profusely about the river's clearing. The volume of the vibrant colors and the hollow whispers fed the chills on Cedric's spine. None of the sensations caused by the scene compared to the nauseous knot in his stomach spying Lezard marshalling these other worldly forces. All the while, with his fingers petting the flowing spirits, he laughed insanely. Inhaling the mastery, letting the power flow through his veins, and then exhaling it in a puff of smoke. It made him laugh all the louder. The madness beaming in his bespectacled eyes.

This level of power...Cedric can barely light a candle let alone create a show as extravagant as what he is witnessing. And Lydia...Lydia's too weak to walk. Yet here is Lezard. Using magic that would magic gods tremble in excitement to behold. Only...it's not his magic. None of what Cedric is seeing is truly his magic. It can't be. Otherwise...he wouldn't sense Lydia in those streams. WRETCHED RAT! Rational thought went with the wind. Absolute fury drove Cedric's legs. The feasibility of the hike, his hovering around Lydia, the stamina he displayed that never seems to end. Fake! All of it! FAKE! Nothing but fabrications brought on from an unyielding source.

Cedric stomped on a pile of twigs. The snaps startled Lezard. The swirling energy dropped and splashed to the river and land. "I knew it!" Cedric crushed his wand. "You aren't fit! You're a fraud!" The wand started to glow.

"I'm...sorry…" Lezard's voice dried. "I'm not sure what you-"

"Leaching!" Cedric barked. Lezard knit his brow. "I called you a leach as an insult! But now it is the perfect label!"

"Forgive my brash words! But I grow tired of your cryptic words!" And his constant interference.

"I know Lydia's essence better than anyone!" He can still feel it in spite of the soil absorbing it. "The fact that I can sense it flowing profusely within you means you're leaching her powers!" Cedric shot a glare at Lezard's palms. The same palms that lavished in holding Lydia every chance they had. "I'll wager if I removed those gloves I'll find mouths on your hands!"

Lezard folded his hands behind his back. "That's quite the accusation. What does Lydia think?" He smirked slyly.

"She thinks the world of you! That's why she isn't wising up to your ploy?"

"Thinks the world of me?" He mockingly mimicked. "Do I detect a hint of jealousy?" Cedric growled past gritted teeth. His cheeks reddened like cherries. "My, my, my! The Royal Sorcerer of Enchancia is jealous! Swayed by Lydia's indomitable charms, are we?"

"She's as charming as a snake!" He roared. He's been bitten by her enough times to testify. "Be that as it may, I refuse to stand by and let you deplete her!"

"Come now, Master Cedric. Why would I wish harm on my oldest friend?" Lezard spread his arms. He welcomes a rational explanation from the irrational man.

"Because your oldest friend is a Skipped Inheritor!" The smile was literally ripped from Lezard's cheeks. Aggravation wrinkled his brow. "Yes, I know all about it! She thinks I don't know, but I figured it out during a most painfully enlightening experience!" The charge and ferocity of her lightning strike back at Merroway cove would have stopped his heart had she not exercised utmost restraint. For the longest time it baffled Cedric how she had so much power. Thinking about the headband he feigned nonchalance about, it made perfect sense. "Skipped Inheritors. You'd never guess behind such a pretty face is a time bomb waiting to explode, would you?"

Lezard wasn't able to resist the jaded scoff. "And yet another weak minded sorcerer won over by the batting blue eyes, and soft faced charm of Lydia." He faked a gag, sticking his tongue out at the mossy floor. And so the mask began to crack. "How is it remotely possible no one ever caught on?!" He broke his voice shouting. Cedric folded his arms, wanting the boy to let it all out. "Adelea saw her at the lake and swore the secret between them! But come on! One day she fails, the next she succeeds! The teachers saw right through her and accepted her as the elite!"

"She carries immense magic within her! Magic that would have made her number one in her school had she mastered it." Cedric leaned forward, further challenging to unraveling boy. "Makes her all the more perfect for you to feed off of. By your own admission, you couldn't stand losing to someone so powerful! And because she loves you," The very word makes him want to blow up the pond, "She'll never think twice about what's causing her fatigue." Cedric understands the discourse. Lydia has enough magic to send him to the pits of Hades. He knows her well enough to say candidly that she would never succumb to her carnal desires.

"Skipped Inheritors are a calamity with skin!" The mask flew off. Cedric watched the real Lezard shape before him. "They've done nothing but destroy whatever they touch!" Lezard slapped a tree trunk. Magma veins snaked the bark, melting the tree to a gurgling puddle. "I won't lose to something that can create a crater with a breath!" How dare you! Cedric snarled venomously in his mind. How dare you call her thing and a blight! "Tell me something! If you know what she is, why are you feigning ignorance?"

"Because treating a girl with a heart of gold like a monster holds no appeal to me!"

"Maybe if you had," Cedric resisted the sharp squeeze at his wrist pulling him closer to Lezard, "You'd be trying to help me get that brooch instead of standing in my way!"

"Lydia is a thorn in my side. I will give you that!" Cedric ripped his hand back. And wielding a brooch capable of harnessing the knowledge of past sorcerers would quell his desire for the Amulet of Avalor. "But never has she acted in a manner that would prompt me to betray her the way you have." Lezard growled rabidly. Balled fists shaking with uncontrollable rage. Cedric shook his head with such dismay. While he admits to personal feelings blinding him, he can't believe how much he missed. How much Lydia missed. "Did it matter to you at all how she felt about you? That she...loves you?"

"Honestly…" Lezard roughly shoved hairs back. He licked his dry lips, and huffed aggressively, "I'd sooner date kiss Mother Gothel herself before falling for the Princess Monster!"

A demon possessing him. Or...his spirit thrusting from his corporeal form. Either way...Cedric's body lunged forth, grasping Lezard by the neck.

xxx

SPLASH! Lydia's eyes shot open. She darted up, straining her ear to the noise. Water was wildly splashing. Boisterous grunting and yelling came from the distance. Cedric and Lezard were missing. An animalistic role sent jolts down her spine. "Eezeyal!" Lydia broke into a run.

xxx

Lezard and Cedric burst from the water, gasping for air. Cedric punched him in the jaw. Lezard countered with a punch in the stomach. Cedric held the fist at his stomach. He clawed Lezard's sleeve and yanked hard, crashing their foreheads together. Lezard staggered, holding his head. A knot swelled in seconds. Cedric stampeded forward, drawing another punch. Lezard surprised him with a kick to the chest, throwing him off his feet. He thrust himself forward, driving an elbow straight into his stomach. Cedric sank as the wind left his lungs. Lezard stomped on him to hold him down. Sharp pain force him to remove his leg. Cedric had bit him. He jumped to the younger sorcerer's back, forcing Lezard's head under the water.

"WHETHER SHE REALIZES IT NOW OR NEVER! ONE DAY...THE PRINCESS WILL THANK ME!"

"EE-NOUGH!" A torrential gust threw the two off their feet, crashing them to the bushes. Lydia, on the opposite side of the river, lowered her hand. A pearl grey mist dissipated from her hand. Lydia?! The two panicked. This wasn't something they expected. "WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH YOU TWO?" Eezeyal would like to know that as well.

"He's the reason you're exhausted!" Cedric darted across the water to be the first on her side. "He's been siphoning your magic!"

"Siphoning? What are you talking about?" This was absolutely ridiculous to her. Siphoning? Next Cedric will accused Lezard of stealing Rapunzel's Crown. "I'm tired because I pushed myself too hard!"

"That's what he wants you to believe!" Cedric frothed at the mouth. He stressed on Lezard, pleading for Lydia to hear him. He wouldn't lie to her about this.

"Lezard!" Lezard stiffened at Lydia's bark. "Will you...please...excuse us!" She strained. Cedric was aghast. He tried to protest. "NOW!" She roared. Lezard offered no argument. He disappeared into the buesh.

"Lydia please understand-

"SHUT UP!" Lydia's glossy eyes shot daggers. "You don't get to speak! Not any more!" She stomped her foot. Cedric felt jolts shoot up her legs. She won't sugarcoat or look to pacify him. He's stepped on her toes for the last time. Nearly drowning her oldest friend is crossing the line. "You know, since the day I arrived, you've been both an eyesore and a thorn in my side that constantly burn into me!" She clutched her side, feeling that pain. "I thought I could learn to take the high road and give you a wide berth. But now I see that's not an option!" Cedric's blood turned to ice. He took a step back, fearing where this was leading. "Not only are you a closet traitor, but you're also an attempted murderer!"

"Lezard is the attempted murderer! Not me!" He's offended she dared accuse him. "He's been slowly draining you dry of all your magic! That's why you're so fatigued!"

"I'm FATIGUED because I don't know how to pace myself!" As everyone has told her so many times. "And, if I'm not mistaken, Lezard isn't the one with an affinity for drowning people!"

Cedric's hands are red in that aspect. He shook his head, "What are you-"

"Wormwood let it slip about your underwater adventure in Merroway cove!" Cedric icy blood brought on guilty beads of sweat. A guillotine formed at his neck, ready to drop any second. Wormwood? "You not only know about Ubos, but you tried to drown me! All for that comb!" Cedric's shoulders dropped. Water gathered in his eyes. It explained everything. Wormwood...told her…? "And then you would have moved on to Sofia's amulet! You probably set your sights on Ubos too!"

"Lydia…" Cedric's heart was tearing at the tip, "I would never have-"

"Don't forget our first couple of runs! You not only tired to kill my sister, you dropped me from three stories in the air, and have made attempts on my life in the past!" Acts Cedric ceased to be proud of. "All for the sake of that amulet!" Cedric wished he had the amulet in hand. He'd be able to hang himself and be spared her venomous words. "Do you want to know what really TICKS me off?"

"I have a feeling you'll tell me." He resignedly responded.

"That every time people call us friends…" Friends...a word Lydia holds a firm belief in. That it forges a bond none can tarnish. "I believe them!" Cedric gaped in awe. "I try to play that I don't like you. But I...I really…" She shied her rosy cheeks to the ground. She couldn't bring herself to say it.

Cedric touched his heart. "You think I'm a friend?"

"Obviously you aren't!" Her voice cracked. Tears welled in the corners of her eyes. "And I was stupid to believe you'd put Sofia's amulet, or your own personal vendettas aside for me!" She heatedly pointed to the river ravaged by a furious bout, "What you tired to do just now proves it!"

"No! You don't understand! Lezard-

"Is the only one who made me feel good about myself!" She roared over him. "Adelea aside...Lezard made the years at Hexley bearable! I didn't feel like a freak around him!"

"I've never treated you as such!"

"It was much easier to play on my emotions and get me to lower my guard around you!"

"That was never my intention!" Cedric thrust a finger at the floor, drawing his line. "I never wanted to hurt you! I could never hurt you! Not now! I just...I just…"

"You just what, Cedric? Tell me!" She declared.

"I don't know…" He slapped his hands on his thighs. "All I know...is that Lezard is the reason you're at the point of fainting." Lydia rolled her eyes. A broken record Cedric was becoming. "Please, Lydia, believe me. I want to help you. I always have." His hands subconsciously reached toward her.

"Did you want to help me when you pelted me with hundreds of Wormwoods?" Cedric's hand stopped. "Did you want to help me when you poisoned Amber?" He closed his hand, nibbling guiltily on his knuckle. Lydia grasped his bow, yanking him inches within her fiery rage. "DID YOU...WANT...TO HELP ME...WHEN YOU TRIED TO DROWN ME? HUH!" She shoved him away. Cedric' back connected hard with a tree. "Because, so far, Cedric, the only one you're helping is yourself! All for your pursuit to be king!"

"Being king means nothing!" He grunted, holding his shoulder. "Not while you're at risk."

"Consider the risk lessened." Lydia stepped away from him.

"What do you mean?"

"I have turned a blind eye to your tyranny, and have covered for your crimes for far too long. I won't do it anymore. Not after this."

"Lydia-

"Leave."

"What?"

"Leave! Get out of my sight! Go far away! Become nothing but a faded image in my head!"

Cedric shook his head adamantly. He's hearing her wrong. She isn't asking...she can't be. "I...I don't...understand-"

"ARE YOU DEAF?! I WANT YOU TO LEAVE!" She swiped her hand. A hurricane of wing scaled and shot from the trees, creating a gaping hole. "Get off the mountain! Get out of Enchancia! Get as FAR AWAY from me as humanly possible…" The floodgates opened. Tears flood down her cheeks. She choked as she finished, "And...don't...you...DARE come back!"

"Lydia…" Cedric forced a weak laugh. His knees quaked. "You can't be serious! You can't just banish me!"

"I just did." Lydia turned away from him.

"LYDIA! WAIT!" Cedric lunged forward. Lydia ripped off her headband. Cedric dragged his heels to a halt. She whipped around. Fire exploded from her mouth. Cedric fell on his butt. The fires signed a few hairs.

"LEEAAVE!" She screeched like a banshee. A waterfall of heartbroken tears watered the ground. "AND IF YOU EVER COME BACK...I WILL KILL YOU!" Cedric's eyes quaked. It was a mistake. This was all a nightmare. He's imagining things. He had to be. But he wasn't. He's not dreaming, hallucinating, or losing his mind. Princess Lydia commanded him gone...or expose him. Just as his own tears started to fall, Cedric vanished in a puff of smoke. Lydia breathed heavily. Her shoulders rose and fell. Shaky breaths jerked her body. Eezeyal wanted to fly to her. To comfort her. But there was nothing he could do or say to fix this. And he wanted to. So very badly.

Snapping twigs twisted her around. Lezard emerged, wearing sorrow on his face. He exchanged stares in silence, able to feel and hear all the hostilities lingering in the air. Lydia tired to hold it together. But when Lezard opened his arms, she broke. She threw herself in his arms, dropping to her knees. Her hysterical sobs muffled in his shirt. Her tears soaking the fabric. Lezard ran his hand up and down her back, coaxing her to cry until she couldn't cry anymore. Eezeyal listened to her sobbing, feeling the urge to cry creeping up on him.

Lydia's crying gradually faded. Exhaustion dragged her to rest in Lezard's arms, bringing her to sleep where she lies. "That's right, Lydia." He whispered, stroking her cheeks. "Just rest." A wicked smile stretched his cheeks. "It will all be over by tomorrow."

To be continued.