New Egypt: The Revelations of Oriceran (Soul Stone Mage Book 5) Page 2

  The bunny disappeared and Manx’ stallion form filled the space. Blisters sprinted forward, hiding behind Azure’s legs and nearly stabbing her with his horn.

  “She means me,” Manx said, sounding amused.

  Buzz Buzz shot straight to the ceiling, a safe distance from the pooka, but when she realized what he was she dropped, her face red with anger. She launched into a series of rants, or at least that was what it sounded like.

  Blisters stepped out from behind Azure. “Oh, it’s just Manx. I thought you were a monster.”

  The pooka shook his head, his mane of black hair flying as he did.

  “He is a monster. Your frame of reference is just messed up, Blisters,” Azure said dully.

  Manx morphed into a raven, landed on Azure’s shoulder, and pecked her gently on the ear. “You know I’m no monster. Not to you, anyway.”

  “Stay out of the kitchen or I’ll show you what kind of monster lives in the basement of the House of Enchanted,” Azure said.

  “Oh, threats are fun. I didn’t know you had that in you,” Manx teased.

  “What kind of monster? Oh, no. I won’t be able to sleep now. I’ll have to sleep with Monet again,” Blisters said, scuttling in their direction.

  “There’s no monster, Scabs,” Manx said. “Azure is just trying to make me behave.”

  “His name is ‘Blisters,’ and if you don’t behave I won’t take you with me on my world tour,” Azure said. “Also, there is a monster in the basement. If you don’t believe me, just ask the queen mother. She’ll tell you.”

  “World tour! World tour! I’m going!” Blisters jumped up and down, making a racket each time he landed on the tile floor.

  Azure directed her wand at the kitchen and swept it around. The whipped cream and split pea soup disappeared, along with the dirty pan. “I’m sorry, Blisters, but I really need your help here. I was actually hoping that you’d help Gillian mind the Potions Shop.”

  Blisters backed up, his eyes going wide. “That’s a big job, Queen Azure.”

  “One of the biggest,” Azure agreed with a nod.

  “You’re going to vacation all over Oriceran and leave me to take care of Virgo?” Blisters asked. Buzz Buzz was now curled on his back, fast asleep. The pixie played hard and slept hard.

  Virgo hadn’t been more peaceful in five centuries. The scare of almost losing their magic had put everything into perspective for the witches and wizards. Everyone was cheerier than before, disputes were at a record low, and the good will between the Land of Terran and the new emperor, Azure’s brother, had created a new economic source. Virgo was now exporting large crops of vegetables to Terran, which at first had been a strange thing for the humans to eat.

  “Yes, Blisters, I’m leaving Virgo in your hands. Well, hooves. I can only leave if I know you’ll be watching over things,” Azure said.

  Blisters lifted his head high, looking proud. “I won’t let you down.”

  Azure patted the unicorn on the head and nodded. “I know I can depend on you. Why don’t you go and check in at the Potions Shop? I’ll meet you there.”

  “You got it!” Blisters bounded out of the kitchen so fast and hard that Buzz Buzz slid off his back and fell to the floor with a thud. The unicorn had blown through the swinging door before the pixie recovered from the fall, looking irritated and confused.

  Azure scooped up the pixie and smiled at her. “I’m counting on you to look after Blisters. I can only leave if I know you’re in charge.”

  Buzz Buzz beamed at Azure before launching into a long string of nonsense, then flew through the still-swinging door and disappeared.

  “You’re a wise and tricky queen,” Manx said, still perched on Azure’s shoulder.

  “I’m mostly tricky, so don’t fucking cross me, pooka.”

  Manx lowered his head in respect. “I’d never dream of it, dear Queen.”

  CHAPTER TWO

  The atrium was full of humans and witches and wizards, and Azure found it hard to squeeze through. On the far side of the room she saw a face that more and more was a source of comfort to her. She tugged on her father’s arm to get his attention once she had slid through the tightly packed bodies.

  “What’s going on?” Azure mouthed over the loud chatter.

  “Oh, we’ve been meaning to tell you, but with the world tour you’ve had your hands full. We’ve invited many of the officials from Terran here. It’s the first time a meeting of this sort has been held,” Richard said.

  Azure’s mother materialized on the other side of Richard, her face bright and full of life, and threaded her arm through Richard’s. She smiled all the time these days. As Queen she had always looked quietly stressed, but now she was neither Queen nor alone. Being together hadn’t been easy for them in the beginning, but it absolutely felt natural now.

  “Azure, it’s a beautiful precedent. More and more we’re opening our borders. Just imagine what you’ll accomplish on your world tour,” Emeri said, squeezing Richard’s arm. He pulled her into him and kissed the top of her emerald-green head.

  “Wow, this is amazing,” Azure said in almost a yell. Everyone seemed infected with good emotions, as if they were contagious. “I’m headed to the Potions Shop, but I’ll see you both before I set off tomorrow morning.”

  “Please do,” Richard said, a proud smile on his kind face. Azure’s father being in Virgo was now as normal as the raven still perched on her shoulder. This wasn’t how Virgo had been before—it was better.

  ~~~

  The leaves were turning vibrant shades of auburn and fiery orange. Azure loved this time of the year. She kept stopping to pick up pretty leaves until she realized she had a handful.

  “Our queen must have nothing to do if she’s picking up leaves on a leisurely stroll,” Finnegan said, stopping her on the cobbled path that led to the Potions Shop. The ancient wizard didn’t look as grumpy as usual, and he’d had more of a hop in his step of late. Apparently losing and then regaining his magic had put everything into perspective.

  “I’m grateful that the kingdom is in a nice state, although even if it wasn’t I might make time for the simpler things. I’m nothing to my people if I lose my mind due to the stress of the crown,” Azure said. Just then a fairy flew out from where she’d been hiding behind Finnegan’s beard.

  “Oh, leaves! They’re so pretty! I love the colors,” Navi said, flying over to inspect the leaves in Azure’s hands.

  “I knew you’d appreciate them, and I think you’ll love this even more.” Azure stepped back and tossed the assortment of leaves into the air. They rained down on the fairy, making her giggle with delight. She twirled up through the air as the leaves fell.

  Finnegan rolled his eyes at this. “I’ve got something for you to do, since you’re not busy. Since Reynolds awoke from being a statue, he’s up to something. Did you ever find out why the rogue dryads froze him?”

  Azure shook her head. “The agreement was that all crimes were expunged after the rogue dryads unfroze the statues.” Reynolds, Azure’s old tutor, had returned to Virgo once freed from the statue garden in the Dark Forest.

  “I have noticed the old crook walking with the queen mother recently. What do you know about that?” Finnegan asked.

  “I know nothing about it. Who has too much time on his hands now? When did you start keeping tabs on my gran?” Azure asked.

  Finnegan’s mouth popped open with offense. “I’m not keeping tabs, I only wonder if keeping company with a criminal is smart. The queen mother is overseeing the court, and we wouldn’t want her reputation and judgement brought into question.”

  Azure couldn’t help but smile. “I’m sure she’ll appreciate your concern. I’ll pass this along to her, tell her you were looking out for her.”

  “No, don’t,” Finnegan said abruptly. Navi was now inspecting the raven on Azure’s shoulder, and Manx was pretending he didn’t notice the fairy. He loved to aggravate.

  Azure drew back an inch and arched an eyeb
row at Finnegan, who had gone slightly pink.

  “If we could, Queen Azure, I think it would be best to keep this between you and me. I wouldn’t want the queen mother to get the wrong idea.”

  Azure thought she knew what was going on here, but saying anything to this stubborn wizard was not going to work. “Well, unfortunately I won’t be able to keep an eye on things since I’m leaving tomorrow. I’m sure Gran and Reynolds have only been catching up. However, on another note, I’m wondering if you would meet with Gran to advise her on what plants I should bring back from my travels.”

  Finnegan’s expression became more neutral as he returned to business. “Yes, and I have the new greenhouse ready. I think your idea of providing a separate place for the foreign plants is smart.”

  “I do believe you just gave me a compliment, Finnegan. Is planet Insta in retrograde?”

  Finnegan waved Azure off. “I’m not complimenting you, as much as the person who taught you about herbs and plants.”

  That sounded about right. “Yes, he is an extremely intelligent man, but as ornery as a centaur on a night of full moons.”

  Navi, who had been buzzing around failing to get Manx’ attention, shot over and stood on Finnegan’s shoulder. “She’s right! You’re one cantankerous man.”

  Finnegan brushed the fairy off his shoulder. “Does your raven need a snack? He can have this pest.”

  Navi fluttered in the air with her hands fisted on her hips.

  “Manx is quite full, since he just ate enough soup to feed the entire House of Enchanted.”

  Finnegan offered his trademark skeptical look, pulling his mouth to the side. “Exaggeration is not a becoming trait, especially in a queen.”

  “But it’s true! Manx, tell him,” Azure stuttered.

  With a serious expression, Manx lifted his head. “It’s true that I’m a raven.”

  Finnegan shook his head. “As I can see.” He returned his attention to Azure. “And yes, I’d be happy to advise Sari on foreign plants that would be of use to us here in Virgo.”

  “Good. I’ll be communicating with Gran by scrying. Please meet with her soon.”

  An almost smile sprang to Finnegan’s mouth. “If you insist.”

  Azure bowed slightly to the wizard before strolling past him to the Potions Shop down the walkway.

  ~~~

  The Potions Shop was bursting with witches and wizards when Azure entered, and a bell hanging from the door chimed as she shut it. The shop had never been this packed. Were they running a sale on raccoon bile? She couldn’t understand why there was hardly anywhere to stand. She squeezed past a group of witches who were discussing potion ingredients for treating varicose veins.

  Above the head of the crowd she spotted Laurel, who had a large bottle of greenish liquid held over her head as she tried to get through. “Coming through. Pardon me,” the werecat said. The witches around her hardly noticed her, which right then was irritating since she was trying to get by. However, for Laurel, it had been a dream come true not to be noticed. She hadn’t thought a day would come when people didn’t stare at her cat face. Azure had assured her that she’d be a part of Virgo in no time, and she was proud that she had been right. Now she just had to convince the rulers of Lancothy that this was true for them as well when outside of the kingdom.

  “Laurel,” Azure called, bobbing around behind the witches. They noticed her when they heard her voice and bowed in unison.

  “Queen Azure, a pleasure to see you,” the witch in the front said, standing. She had dark blue hair and a bit of beard, which Azure tried not to stare at.

  “The pleasure is all mine.” Azure smiled politely at the group. “Laurel, would you please help me?”

  Laurel looked relieved when the witches parted, and pulled the large bottle down from overhead before scuttling forward. She placed the bottle on a shelf next to Azure. “Queen Azure, just doing some last-minute stocking before the trip.”

  The witches did an awful job of pretending not to eavesdrop. Azure smiled at them again, this time as a message. “Good to see you all, but if you’ll excuse us?” They nodded and cleared out of the shop, making it less crowded all of a sudden.

  “What’s going on here?” Azure asked, gesturing at the many patrons.

  “You haven’t been here in a while when the shop was open, have you?” Laurel asked.

  Azure shook her head. She didn’t remember the last time she’d been to the Potions Shop during the day. She usually only went there at night when it was closed to help Monet stock, or just to get away from the House of Enchanted.

  “It’s like this from the time we open until we close. I don’t know how Gillian will manage when we leave on the trip,” Laurel said.

  “If anyone can manage it’s Gillian, but I don’t understand. Why is the shop so popular now?”

  A ghost of a smile made the corners of Laurel’s mouth twitch. “It’s better if you see it with your own eyes.” The werecat grabbed Azure’s forearm and pulled her through the crowd to the front, where there was a large table set up with cauldrons and bottles. A fire burned in the hearth behind it and a cauldron hung over it, sending blue smoke up the chimney. Monet, behind the table, leaned across it and pointed at an open book. A wizard with orange hair and a petulant expression stood on the other side.

  “I don’t care what this useless book told you. Roly-polies are of no use in an ingrown toenail potion. If you swap them out for cricket antennas it will work,” Monet said, shoving the book back at the wizard.

  “Next.” Monet motioned the person forward, a witch who towered a foot over him. Her long flowing yellow hair was pulled back, and her purple soul stone had been fashioned into the clip that held it. She leaned down and whispered to Monet and he nodded, seeming to understand at once.

  “Over there. Second shelf, third from the right. Take it every morning and you’ll see results,” he said to the witch. A wide grin overtook her face as she wrung Monet’s hand to express her gratitude.

  “Gillian, the Good Neighbor potion is ready,” Monet said, motioning the next patron over.

  From behind the table Gillian popped up, his head and his green eyes coming even with its surface. “How do you know?”

  “I can smell it,” Monet said, still discussing something with a client.

  “I’m in the middle of sorting through inventory down here. It’s a mess. Didn’t you ever organize?” Gillian complained.

  “No, I was saving that job for you.” Monet looked up, his eyes finding Azure. “Queeny, get over here and make yourself useful. Get this potion off the flames.”

  Azure bustled behind the table and used a long hook to pull the cauldron off the fire. She set it on a cooling rack.

  Gillian was again sitting on the floor, and he had a few dozen bottles around him. He picked up one, checked the contents, and scribbled on a pad beside him.

  Azure knelt to bring herself level with him. “Doing inventory?”

  Absentmindedly he nodded, not looking up.

  “Are you going to need more assistance to cover the shop while we’re gone? I assigned you Blisters and three other witches just to look after him and clean up his messes. Is that all right?” asked Azure.

  Gillian pointed to three bottles, counting in a whisper. “No, I’m not hungry. Maybe later. Thanks, Laurel.”

  Confused, Azure’s head tilted to the side. “Gillian, are you all right?”

  He lifted his chin and started when he looked directly at her. “Queen Azure, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize that was you.” He stumbled to his feet and bowed low to her.

  She encouraged him to relax, waving her hands. “You’re fine, Gillian. Please don’t get up, you’re working.”

  Gillian stared down at the bottles and nodded. “Yes, and it takes my full concentration. We go through supplies faster than I can organize them.”

  “Why is that?” Azure asked, staring around the large shop. The shelves lining the walls burst with ingredients, and in the cente
r were barrels filled with bottles of potions and dispensers that hung from the ceiling from which patrons could fill their own bottles with popular formulas.

  “As worthless as we all thought Monet was, he’s proved us wrong,” Gillian whispered, leaning forward,. “He is an extraordinary potions maker.”

  “I heard that!” Monet said, his back to them as he helped a witch with a large boil on her cheek.

  Gillian shook his head. “I’ve never seen anything like it. He might know more about potions than anyone I’ve ever heard of.”

  Azure smiled proudly. “I’m not surprised. That was why I appointed him Potions Master.”

  “I’ve wondered from the beginning what you saw in him, and now I might have a clue,” Gillian said, jerking his thumb at the bottle in front of him.

  Azure smiled with pride. “There’s a lot more to Monet than just knowing potions. If he has deceived you into thinking he was useless, you have played right into his act. I’m certain he pulls us all into the ruse just so everyone underestimates him and then is stunned when he saves the day.”

  Gillian pulled his brown bowler hat off his head and mopped his forehead with the handkerchief he took from his breast pocket. “Well, then he won, because I’m thoroughly shocked.”

  “I’m a bit worried that you’ll need more assistance to manage the shop when we leave,” Azure said.

  Gillian dismissed her concern with a shake of his head before placing his hat back on. “It won’t be like this, don’t worry. Sure, people will stop in for ingredients, but most come to get advice from Monet.”

  “You know quite a bit about potions, though,” Azure said.

  “I don’t know nearly as much as he does. It’s like he has a special instinct for them. He can feel when a potion is off. My expertise is limited to what I’ve read in books.”

  “So you’ll be all right?” Azure asked.

  “Yes, I’ll be fine, thank you.” Gillian’s eyes drifted to the ingredients at his feet. “My apologies, Your Majesty, but I must get back to work.”