* I own nothing STF*

Leap of Fate

Cedric stepped back in alarm at the headmaster's sudden appearance. "Merlin's Mushrooms! What happened to you?"

"Oh, just some unfriendly business I ran into." Grimtrix wiped the blood from his curled lips. "Have you finished it?"

"What happened in Freezenburg?" The younger sorcerer questioned.

Grimtrix waved a hand dismissively. "Freezenburg is only slightly scorched. Now tell me what you know and quickly. I revealed myself to the Order so it may not be long before we have them on our tail."

"M-my father, is he…" Cedric swallowed thickly.

"He's not dead if that's what you mean. Not yet. Now let's-"

"No!" Cedric stressed angrily. "You owe me answers, Grimtrix. Are you planning to use the Triune to destroy the royals and take over their kingdoms?"

Rolling his eyes, Grimtrix purred, "Come, come, don't make it sound so devious. With the Triune, I will make right what has been wrong with our world. After centuries of oppression, sorcerers shall finally rule with me as their head. It is our given right, our destiny!"

Sofia muttered, "You're willing to hurt anyone and everything just for some stupid plan to rule the world?"

Grimtrix clicked his tongue with disapproval, "Now, princess, let's ask your dear Ceddy that question. His attempts to take over Enchancia felt anything but stupid to him. How is it stupid to desire what is rightfully yours after years of everyone saying you are worth nothing?" The headmaster glared straight at Cedric.

Cedric's mouth turned dry, a familiar feeling clenching his heart. "I am nothing like you." He scowled.

"It is a stupid and selfish desire," Sofia argued. "Even if the royals mistreated you, something I have also gone through to an extent, it is no excuse to incite hatred and violence. There has to be a way where both royals and sorcerers can see eye to eye. We are all fighting for the same thing, aren't we? To defend and protect those who can't."

"You know nothing of what mistreatment is." Grimtrix icily retorted.

"Then explain it to me!" Sofia exasperated. "If you have truly been wronged, Grimtrix, I'm sorry. Cedric's past has made me more aware of sorcerer's mistreatment and some things do need changing, but it's not too late to fix this. To do things the right way."

The headmaster sighed, leaning against his staff. "You wouldn't understand. When I was a lad," He paused, his eyes welling with tears. "The Royals did something horrible to my family."

Just as Sofia's face softened, the headmaster let out a cackle. "Ohhh, sorry, were you expecting some sob story from me about how royals ruined my life? That they murdered my parents? Belittled me and always got in my way? Well, let me not waste your time, princess. One doesn't always have to be wronged by something to see that it is wrong." His laughter abruptly ceased. "I am just the sorcerer who finally has the guts to do what needs to be done," He enunciated.

"Please," Sofia quivered. "Let's just talk this out. I know my father and Goodwin will under-"

Grimtrix slapped Sofia hard across the face, causing her to stumble back into Cedric.

The sorcerer quickly shielded her from the headmaster, shouting, "Don't you touch her, you bastard!"

The headmaster thumped his scepter against the floor, impatiently. "I've had enough of your self-righteousness, princess. You know nothing of the real world, for words can't fix everything. Some things require a… firm nudge in the right direction."

"You're a monster," She mumbled through clenched teeth.

"Oh, I'm truly hurt." Grimtrix clutched his chest.

"Enough," Cedric demanded, shifting Sofia closer to him. "If you want to know where your precious Triune is, you must make a deal with me."

"Tell me what you know, and I'll consider if it's worth your demands. "Grimtrix pointed his scepter at Sofia. "Come, come! We don't have all day."

Tightening his other hand around Merlin's scrolls, Cedric nodded. "I have deciphered the spell, but as I was about to tell Sofia, there's something strange about it. It translates to 'Fall and believe what is imperceivable,' I find the wording odd, especially with what I am about to tell you."

Grimtrix stroked his mustache, listening intently to Cedric's encounter with Merlin's dragon, Foreshadow, and a vision from Merlin and Erasmus' past fight that ended with the great wizard falling from the Wysteria cliffs.

"From this vision," Cedric concluded, "I have reason to believe all the more that Merlin faked his own death and used his new spell to take the Triune somewhere safe. Somewhere he's never been." As Cedric talked, he tried to comprehend it in his own head. Why would Merlin include this word and perform the exact action soon after? It couldn't be a coincidence; he needed to see if his theory was correct.

"I need to test something," The sorcerer extended his hand. "Would you give me your spare wand for a moment?"

Grimtrix shot him a wary look, and Cedric gritted his teeth, "Begrudgingly, I admit that I'm curious to see if my theory is correct. I also won't do anything stupid to risk her safety," He assured.

The headmaster smirked, "Just so. However, the princess shall stand next to me." With a command, he forced Sofia to stand before him, his fingers wrapping around her neck. Withdrawing his extra wand from his robe, Grimtrix tossed it to the sorcerer.

Inhaling sharply, Cedric firmly gripped the wand. "Cadere Et Credere Quod Imperceptis!" He shouted.

Silence enveloped the tower as if nothing happened, not even a spark from the wand.

"I thought so," Cedric's breath quickened, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. "This spell will only work if you fall from precisely the place Merlin did.

"What?" Sofia gasped.

Grimtrix also looked stunned as he took his wand back from Cedric. "Explain?"

"Merlin fell off the Wysteria cliffs, right? I believe the word 'fall' may act as a catalyst or portal of sorts," Cedric explained. "If it was just a teleportation spell to anywhere, it would have worked, and would it really need to include the word 'fall'?"

"Is that even possible?" The princess asked.

"Well, this is all a guess on my part." The sorcerer answered, his hands lightly wringing the scrolls with anticipation. "But it's the only lead we have."

A smile stretched from Grimtrix's lips, "If anyone could figure out how to accomplish something like this, it would be Merlin, that brilliant bastard!"

Cedric found himself nodding in agreement. How Merlin could do it was a mystery, but it wasn't improbable that the wizard could accomplish it. Impossible wasn't in the vocabulary of someone like the wizard, who advanced and created numerous spells that were once deemed unlikely.

Cedric turned to Sofia, "Sofia, it wasn't a coincidence that I was shown where Merlin fell," He said. "Your amulet also gave you the vision of the exact place. While I believe it was trying to warn you about the Triune, everything is pointing to the Wysteria cliffs."

"Hmm, I was curious about this vision that Wriggley mentioned," Grimtrix murmured. "I had planned on controlling the princess sooner, but this amulet's power prevented me from doing so. What a formidable little thing this is." He held up the Amulet of Avalor, waving it tauntingly in front of Sofia. "In Erasmus' journal, he mentioned an amulet, most likely this Maruvian jewel as the only thing that can destroy the Triune. I do wonder if the opposite is true?

Wriggley tittered as Sofia's eyes widened fearfully with realization, "Aww, that means you wouldn't be able to speak to your stupid animal friends again!" She pouted mockingly, "How sad."

With a sharp clap of his hands, Grimtrix beamed. "Alright now, back to business. I say this is worth a look, don't you, Cedric? Who knows? Maybe we'll even get to see our idol, Merlin himself!" He snickered, "Whether he be a rotten corpse or not, it'll still be worth it. Let's not waste another moment!"

"Wait!" Cedric exclaimed. "I did all that you asked and figured out Merlin's code. Our work here is done."

"No, I'm afraid not," Grimtrix purred. "You see, I need you to help me find the Triune by casting the spell yourself. I can't do it without you, Cedric. You must see to the end with me."

Sofia scoffed, "You just want to use Cedric as your shield if anything goes wrong."

Grimtrix warningly raised an eyebrow at her, and Cedric quickly intervened. "The plan is extremely risky, Grimtrix." He waved Merlin's writings in the air. "If I perform the spell wrong…it could be dangerous."

"I do not care about the improbabilities of disaster," Grimtrix frowned, snatching Merlin's scrolls out of the sorcerer's hand and folding them inside his vest. "I just care that it could work."

"I will not risk her life," Cedric hissed. "I told you what you needed to know; now, you must agree to my conditions before anything else. First, you will never harm Sofia again and let her return to her family immediately."

"No!" The princess gripped his sleeves. "I'm coming with you!"

"Sofia," Cedric lay hold of her wrists. "If anything were to happen to you…" His throat constricted. "You must go back. Grimtrix, after you get the Triune, you must also promise you will not harm her family, her village of Dunwiddy, or my family. Let us just live somewhere in peace. In return, I promise that we will never bother you."

"Cedric, you can't decide these things for me," Sofia argued. "We promised we would get through this together and not let Grimtrix win for the sake of our world and loved ones. Besides, whether I am here or with my family, I will still be in danger and endangering them."

"He'll eventually run out of your blood," Cedric assured. "I wasn't in my right mind yesterday, but I'm pretty sure he lied when he said he didn't know the counterspell. Since he's using your blood, he'll always need a fresh supply, and when he runs out, so should the spell."

Grimtrix smiled smugly. "I did lie. However, I need her to stay to ensure you don't step out of line, Ceddy-boy. She won't be going anywhere."

Cedric yanked on Grimtrix's collar, "You will let her go now!" He spat in his face.

Grimtrix's hand rested lightly on Cedric's. "Before you get huffy at me and do something you regret, I will promise you the rest after I get the Triune. I will not touch her, her family, or that village as long as no one interferes. As for your family, your father has already interfered, so I can't promise anything with him; however, for the rest of them, even your stupid little raven, I will allow their freedom."

Cedric blew out a short breath, thinking,"So Wormwood must be alive, thank Merlin." Biting the inside of his cheek, he relented. "Fine. Swear on the Triune."

"No!" Sofia wailed, her fingers grasping for his arm again. "Cedric-"

"Silence," Grimtrix commanded. "Go downstairs and wait for us in the foyer."

His heart aching, Cedric watched as Sofia walked silently by him, her mouth set in a thin line and her eyes murky once again. He knew he should apologize; she had every right to make her own decisions, but she had to understand that he was doing it all for her. Unlike Sofia, Cedric couldn't worry about the fate of the world right now. There was still the chance that Merlin could be alive to help them and be the savior the world needed, but Cedric couldn't place his entire hope in that. The sorcerer just needed a promise that if Grimtrix did win, the girl he loved would always be safe.

Grimtrix waited till she was out of the room before promising, "I swear on the Triune that I will cause her, her family, your family, or her village no harm as long as they never interfere with my plans."

Cedric released his grip, extending his palm, which the headmaster shook.

After Grimtrix whispered some final orders to Wriggley, he and Cedric made their way down the tower.

"Cedric," The headmaster murmured somberly, the unusual tone catching the sorcerer off guard. "You astounded me with your deductions back there. After we retrieve the Triune, I want you to join me, and I will give you Enchancia to rule."

"After all you have done to me and Sofia, why in hades would I ever join you?" Cedric sputtered.

Giving a weary sigh, Grimtrix stated, "The truth is, I don't want to hurt her or you, but you have to understand that I will do what I must. I only desire to have the Triune aid me and others in demanding respect from those who desire to harm us. It is our right."

"Our right to what? Control and kill those who refuse?" Cedric scoffed.

"Weren't you willing for Enchancia's throne?" Grimtrix challenged the younger sorcerer, who fell silent. "I like and admire you, Cedric. Unlike those who mistreated you, I see that you have unmatched potential that only needs to be encouraged. As I want to be successful in my goals, I also want you to achieve yours. I hope to persuade you to see what you were born to be: A powerful sorcerer and king."

Cedric's lips quivered as Grimtrix whispered, "Haven't you ever wondered why those with magic have never ruled? Royals fear us because they realize we have the ultimate right to rule the Ever Realm." He tilted his scepter, its shining orb glowing with magic. "We are blessed by the gods by being born with these divine powers, and you aren't at fault for longing for what should be yours."

"No," Cedric pulled away from Grimtrix. "I…regardless, it is not right."

"It's not that simple, son. What's not right is everyone who has ever mistreated us. The headmaster's face contorted. "You should have seen how your father, King Magnus, even King Roland, accused you. How they despise you." Grimtrix grasped Cedric's shoulders, stopping them in front of the door to the foyer. "And they'll never stop hating you because you are gifted, and they aren't. Why do you think so many people have made you feel worthless? It's because they know you'd be unstoppable if you had an ounce of knowledge about your true power!"

Pushing Grimtrix away, Cedric raked his hair back a little too roughly, trying to suppress this untold feeling boiling through his veins. Perhaps it was the years of pain from everyone thinking he was pathetic. Perhaps it was the way King Roland, his father, and the entire Order looked at him when Sofia told him of his betrayal. They had every right to hate him, but he was suddenly remembering how much he always had despised them and everything they had. "Why… Why is Grimtrix making sense?" He thought miserably. Did he have to owe it to the royals and their kingdoms to save them? The same Royals that were so quick to turn on him, the moment he made a mistake. The same royals, sorcerers, and people who mocked him for so many years, shouldn't they deserve what was coming for them?

"Join me, and after you help me get the Triune, I will let you rule Enchancia in peace like you've always dreamed of." Grimtrix interrupted his thoughts. "All I ask is that you swear allegiance to me."

Cedric inhaled shakily, "My friendship with Sofia is more important than my selfish desires. I could never betray her again."

"Ah yes, the Amulet of Avalor. Wriggley told me all about how you conspired to steal it from the princess for some years." The headmaster nodded. "However, she'd never have to know. The Triune gives the power to erase memories so she and her family could never know of your betrayals. All Sofia will know is her affection for you, which is already apparent."

Cedric wrung his hands. How could he deny how tempting and easy it could be. Suddenly, every stupid hope he had that he and Sofia could escape this alive faltered. Merlin alive? It was centuries ago; how could he possibly be? The greater chance was that even if they could find the Triune, there would be nothing or a corpse beside it. If it was inevitable that Grimtrix would overthrow the royals, wouldn't taking Sofia and her family's memories and ruling Enchancia be the only way to keep her safe?

Stammering weakly, he said, "I…uh...I don't know."

"Think about it." Grimtrix winked. They caught up to Sofia, standing by the front doors, giving both of them a look Cedric had never seen her wear before. Was it distrust?

Before he could say anything to her, Grimtrix moved to grip Sofia's elbow and pushed her forwards as they stepped outside. The evening sky blended into the night, the smell of summer rain hanging thickly in the air like a suffocating blanket. It made Cedric's legs feel heavier and heavier with every step he took.

"Now, you may use my wand to enact the spell." The headmaster handed it over to Cedric when they arrived at the cliff's edge.

Shuddering as he crept closer to the precise, Cedric eyed the endless darkness below. "What if you can't find the Triune?" He asked. "What will you do?"

"Pray that we do find it , Cedric, and you won't have to worry about it." Grimtrix smiled chillingly, the corners of his mouth barely reaching his eyes.

"I- I guess we all hold onto each other, jump on three, and then I'll say the spell."

Grimtrix dragged Sofia closer to the ledge. "Don't lose sight of why I chose you, Cedric. You are powerful enough to enact this spell."

"But what if-"

"If nothing happens, I'll teleport us back here." Grimtrix tilted his head to his shoulder, signaling for Cedric to grab onto him so he could hold his scepter and Sofia. "Just stay focused."

Cedric swallowed hard as they leaned forward over the cliff.

"You can do this," Grimtrix's annoyingly soothing voice called to him amidst the wind's mournful song.

Cedric shakily drove his wand through the air, shouting, "1, 2, 3!"

As he yelled, Cedric felt himself being shoved forward. Soon, his feet held to nothing as he plummeted down. The screeching whistle of the wind rushed to his head, making his vision blurry and bile form in his throat.

"What did I tell you?" Grimtrix murmured in his ear. "Stay focused and protect her."

Cedric's eyes snapped open, "Cadere Et Credere Quod Imperceptis!" He yelled.

A spark of light erupted from his wand. Golden symbols formed into a portal ahead of them and the wand splintered into dust in Cedric's hand as they hurtled towards the opening.

Then, shadow swallowed them.

A/N: Hello, hi. So… my temporary hiatus turned into a whole year and a half since my last update, but I am finishing this story! I'm trying to remember how much fun writing is and that it can bring joy during difficult times. Thank you to those who have stuck with me on this journey, I am really grateful. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and please leave a review if you wish. I'll hopefully see you all soon on the next update!

Now the fun begins, he he.

Stay happy and healthy! :D