Sapphire - Chapter 4

I'm at my last stop of my two tour of the eastern seaboard. There's a certain quiet at this friend's house. She works in her office while I write in her dining room. Her cats are quietly napping the dreary afternoon away, and the birds are attempting to court before early evening brings thunderstorms.

And here is some proof that I'm actually writing.

----------

Allophane’s shoes took her and her companions to the green bricks surrounding the golden fountain in the royal palace’s main courtyard. For once, Beryl took a step before she caught her balance. In the past, Allophane had deliberately landed facing the fountain so her sister protector would land in the water because of her dizziness. However, Beryl would not stop taking shortcuts when it came to magic. No matter how many times Allophane offered to show Beryl how to enchant her own pair of shoes. She deserved the dunking if she was going to be so lazy.

But Jellia didn’t deserve to land face first in the fountain, so Allophane had adjusted her landing accordingly. She grabbed the girl’s arm to keep her from tumbling onto the bricks and harming herself. She trembled under Allophane’s touch.

“Are you all right, Jellia?” she asked gently. “I know traveling by enchanted shoes can be—”

The poor maid whirled away and expelled the contents of her stomach all over the pristine green bricks.

A soldier with a long green beard tucked into his uniform belt marched up to them and saluted. “Do you need assistance, Lady Allophane, Lady Beryl?”

“A mop,” Beryl said with a scowl.

“Greeting, Private Amby.” Allophane knelt next to Jellia. “Are you sure you’re all right, my dear? I’m so sorry. Traveling by my shoes often makes any companion I carry dizzy, but no one has ever become ill.”

The girl fished in a pocket and produced a handkerchief, which she used to wipe her mouth. “I’ll be all right, m’lady. I’ve never had vertigo that bad before.”

“At least Allophane didn’t dump you into the fountain,” Beryl said dryly.

“At least you remembered to hang on to my belt this time,” Allophane responded sweetly. She wasn’t going to let Bery get under her skin. Not today of all days. The protectors needed to provide a united front against the nobles for the princess’s sake.

Allophane turn to Private Amby. “Would you please escort Jellia to our rooms, Private? We wish to speak with the vizier immediately.”

“Immediately, my lady.” The soldier bowed again before he raised a silver whistle to his lips.

At the shrill sound, a matronly maid dressed in the green uniform of the palace household scurried down the steps from the wide-open gold-framed glass doors. She curtsied to the witches before she looked inquiringly up at Private Amby.

“Please assist Miss Jellia with taking the protectors’ bags to their suite while I escort the ladies to see the vizier.”

The palace maid bobbed her head and gestured for the witches to hand over their bags, which they did. However, Beryl leaned close to Jellia’s ear and whispered something. Jellia nodded and followed the green-clad maid into the palace.

Allophane gritted her teeth. She didn’t need to hear Beryl’s words to know her sister protector had ordered poor Jellia to not let the palace staff unpack their luggage. Such a command was embarrassing, both for the witches and for the royal household.

If this was the first salvo in Beryl and Willis’s plan to take over Oz, it chilled Allophane to her very bones. They simply couldn’t afford to antagonize any of the people of Oz if they wanted a peaceful transfer of power.

However, Private Amby didn’t hesitate at their request. “This way, m’ladies.”

Perhaps the situation was more dire than they presumed if the palace staff didn’t offer a chance to refresh themselves and simply obeyed the witches orders.

The soldier led the way through the open glass doors. He turned right, but he passed by the vizier’s office along the hallway.

Allophane’s heart pounded. Maybe Beryl and Willis were correct to be concerned about the nobles after all. The soldier led them toward Pastoria’s office. She never thought Vizier Meenor would stoop to seize the throne.

No. Allophane took a deep calming breath. She needed to be patient and analyze all the facts before she took any action. She’d feel better once the other witch protectors arrived.

The soldier stopped before the gold and emerald trimmed doors of the royal offices and knocked. A muffled voice said, “Enter.”

The soldier opened the door for Beryl and Allophane and waved them inside. To her surprise and relief, Locasta and Mombi along with Vizier Meenor sat at the huge round mahogany table inlaid with gold and emeralds around its edge.

He rose and greeted Allophane and Beryl warmly with kisses on both cheeks of each woman. “I’m so glad all of you are responding so promptly to the sad tidings I had to announce. I’ve sent for refreshments as we wait for the arrival of the Quadling and Winkie protectors. I hope you don’t mind that we use the monarch’s office for this meeting. I do

not intend any impropriety, but this is the only room except for the throne room and the royal dining hall to hold all of us for this meeting.” “I’d be more upset by you sitting on the throne for this meeting,” Beryl snapped.

“You must forgive my sister protector of Munchkin Country,” Allophane said to Meenor. “Beryl was greatly distraught by your news.”

“No, I’m irritated having to wait for the others.” Beryl crossed her arms and scowled.

A wry chuckle came from Locasta, her purple curls bouncing along with her humor. “Teleportation is so much faster. A pity the others dislike it so.”

“But flying is much less dizzying,” Mombi grumbled. Or maybe her dizziness had more to do with how tight of a knot her violet hair had been wound.

“However, it does have its advantages,” Allophane murmured as she took her chair at the table.

Beryl lowered herself into the seat between Allophane and Meenor’s. The monarch’s delicately carved chair opposite of Meenor’s place would remain empty until little Ozma came of age.

Allophane glanced at her fellow Munchkin Country protector. Beryl’s expression was carefully neutral, except her knuckles where she grasped the arms of her chair stood out even more whitely than her pale skin. Now, what in Oz has her so wound up? She hadn’t seemed all that concerned about Pastoria’s passing.

“We hope the princess is in good health,” Allophane said to Meenor.

He nodded. “The wet nurse expects to wean her within the next two months now that she’s started eating porridge and apple sauce.” His smile was rather melancholy. “Princess Ozma has a hearty appetite, and she’s growing by leaps and bounds.”

Beryl snorted. “Please don’t let her grow fat and lazy. The people won’t respect a ruler who literally cannot perform her duties as our liege.” “The princess—” Mombi began hotly just as the doors to the monarch’s office burst open.

“The queen shall be respected within her own palace,” Glinda’s voice rang out as she entered the room.

Another Delay and a New Chapter of Sapphire (The War of the Witches #1)

*sigh* I didn't get my editing done on Chefs, Shrooms, and Sherry ( The Enchanted Bakery #1). Life stuff has again interfered. I can't go into too much detail because I respect this person and their privacy. However, this particular family member was very supportive to me when I needed it nearly forty years ago, so I will damn well be there for them!

On the other hand, I finished the next chapter of Sapphire in an effort to distract myself. I hope you like it.

----------

Beryl supervised Jellia’s packing of a single carpet bag while she changed into traveling clothes. She hated traveling by Allophane’s silver shoes. The damn things were fast but stopping at their destination usually left her tumbling head over heels when they arrived. Still, the enchanted shoes were faster than the southern witches’ chariots drawn by swans or the western witches’ umbrellas.

Frankly, it didn’t make sense to waste the magic to create another pair of travel shoes when she could borrow Allophane’s. Her sister would definitely make her do the spell herself rather than enchant another pair for her. Even Beryl knew the energy created by just one of her lovers wouldn’t be enough for the spell.

She didn’t need Allophane’s disapproving looks if more than one peasant graced her bedchambers.

Once her own clothes and accessories were placed within her carpet bag, Beryl eyed her maid. “Jellia, pack a bag for yourself.”

The girl’s big green eyes widened. “Me?” she squeaked. “Surely, the palace has more than enough staff to suit your needs.”

“You must come because I will need to stay at the palace the entire time.” Beryl considered her options. “Did the royal messenger leave another letter for the governor?”

The girl hesitated for a moment before she gulped and nodded. She raised her chin. “It wasn’t hard to guess the contents of the letter, Lady Protector.”

Maybe Jellia was a little too smart. However, if that intelligence could be aimed in the right direction…

“The governor will have to make the announcement concerning the king’s death, if not today, then tomorrow morning.” Beryl exhaled and sat on the edge of her bed. “This is a delicate time for Oz with both the queen and king gone. Too many people will seek to control the princess. Her safety is of paramount concern to the witch protectors. The nobility will be careful about their word choices when I or any of my sisters are present. They won’t pay as much attention to our aides. Make sure you bring a civilian outfit for any errands you will need to run for me outside of the palace.”

“And to keep my ears open for you.” The maid nodded again. “I understand, m’lady.”

“Good.” Beryl rose to her feet, satisfied with the girl’s determination and loyalty. “Run along. I’m sure Allophane’s bag will be ready, and neither of us can dawdle.”

“Yes, m’lady.” Jellia curtsied and dashed off, presumably to her own room to gather her things.

Now that Beryl was alone, she pulled the sapphire key from her pocket and unlocked the chest that held her personal magical accoutrements. She selected a diamond bottle containing a syrup that would make a person malleable to her suggestions. A sapphire ring with a spell that could bring her back to the manor should the need arise. The last thing she desired was to be dependent on Allophane for magical transportation. Finally, she grabbed a paper envelope filled with dried and powdered belladonna berries.

Yes, eliminating the vizier would ensure the other witch protecters would take Willis’s suggestion that they should raise the princess a little more seriously. A mere mortal should be raising a royal child. Especially if the child in question had a single drop of her mother’s magical blood.

But magic hadn’t saved the queen from a childbirth gone wrong. It would be more prudent for one of the sisterhood to remain in the capital. Beryl smiled to herself. It was an idea she could convince the other witches would be prudent under the circumstances. And if they needed a little nudge to convince them she was the perfect candidate, well then, that was what her elixir was for.

* * *

A quarter of an hour later, Beryl tapped the toe of her right boot impatiently while she stood in the courtyard in front of the manse. She’d changed into traveling clothes. A dark blue wool jacket with a matching mid-shin-length skirt. Sturdy walking boots. A wide-brimmed hat decorated with a peacock plume.

Allophane finally came out of the front doors wearing a similar outfit, though hers was a royal blue. However, a wide buckled belt closed her jacket instead of buttons. Plus, she wore her enchanted silver shoes instead of boots.

“It’s about time, but we’re still waiting for my maid,” Beryl said in greeting.

Allophane’s eyebrows rose. “You want Jellia to accompany us to the capital?”

“We may need assistance.” Beryl lifted her chin. “We have no idea of the actual situation at the palace.”

Allophane nodded thoughtfully. “Thank you for anticipating the potential scenarios. In fact, Jellia might be more useful than you calculate. The palace staff are more likely to speak openly to her than to us.”

“Are you crediting me with having a good idea?” Beryl couldn’t stop the sarcasm dripping from her voice. Allophane always seemed to think she was better than anyone else. However, she never thought of Allophane as duplicitous. In fact, her sister protector always seemed rather naïve. Beryl would definitely need to be more careful around her fellow Munchkin Country protector if she wanted to see her plans come to fruition.

Several members of the household gathered around the courtyard to see the little group off. Beryl had no doubt the servants wouldn’t work the rest of the afternoon, knowing she and Allophane weren’t there to watch them.

Jellia raced down the steps of the manse with her own carpetbag in hand, slightly out of breath. “I’m sorry, Lady Beryl. I hurried as fast as I could.”

“Don’t worry, child,” Allophane said. “We’re pleased to have you accompany us.”

Beryl bit her tongue to keep from lecturing her fellow protector. Allophane was far too easy on the staff. They would merely take advantage if one didn’t constantly watch them. However, there was no sense in addressing the problem until they were alone. The staff would use any perceived disagreement to their benefit.

Allophane smiled at the girl before she looked at Beryl. “Are we all set then?”

She nodded curtly.

“Both you need to hold on tight to my belt,” Allophane instructed, but her attention was mainly on the maid. “If you lose your grip, you could be injured or killed. Do you understand, Jellia?”

The maid nodded briskly. “Hold on to your belt. Don’t let go.”

Beryl slung her own carpetbag over her shoulder and grasped Allophane’s heavy leather belt. The maid followed Beryl’s example. “Ready?” Allophane asked.

“Yes,” Beryl and the maid said at the same time.

“Here we go!” Allophane clicked her heels together three times.

Beryl was rather glad she’d pinned her favorite hat securely to her hair net as a whirlwind spun the trio into the air and westward.

Late But Not Forgotten Update

Friday is the Ides of March, and I haven't gotten as much done so far this year as I wanted.

The Books of Apep Kickstarter is marked as DELAYED on the Release Schedule page because it's nowhere near ready to launch. I don't have all my swag done, and I'm only 10% into writing the second book.

The Willowbrook Witches series has been renamed to The Enchanted Bakery series. So far, only one story isn't set in Tabitha and Everleigh's bakery (the first one is set during the girls' college years). And Everleigh's not a witch, though she's been adopted by a witch family. Many thanks to my cover artist Elaina Lee for helping me sort out the branding on this series.

Unfortunately, I'm still editing the first story, which is why I pushed it back a week. My formatter Jaye needs time to do her magic.

On the plus side, I'm traveling over the next two weeks to see family and friends I haven't visited in a while. In one case, it's been thirty years. *gasp* I'll have a couple of nights in hotels so I can definitely catch up on the writing.

While I'm gone, I'll have at least one new chapter of Sapphire (The War of the Witches #1) posted for your reading pleasure. And I had to show off the lovely cover for this novel which artist extraordinaire Julie Nicholls delivered this morning!

So, all-in-all, things are still moving forward, just at a slower pace.

Smashwords' Read an Ebook Week Sale!

Smashwords' Read an Ebook Week Sale is happening now until Saturday, March 9th. All of my novels and novellas are half-price, along with sales on lots of other books. Check it out!

Suzan Harden's books on Smashwords!

New Releases Start This Week

I feel much better and much more productive this year, and it's good to feel relatively normal again.

On Friday, Feline Navidad (Millersburg Magick Mysteries #4) will finally be hitting retail stores. Yep,  Christmas story on Valentine's Day. That's assuming everybody goes live at that time. I'm still uploading to the files to the other retailers, but Amazon has been on pre-order for a bit.

I'm also getting Alter Ego's books reissued on Amazon, again FINALLY. I made the mistake early in my career by releasing my books under my personal account rather than a business account. Same with a couple of other retailers. I started switching titles over to the business account back in 2016, but I didn't get everything moved before I was diagnosed with breast cancer. So, while I update the back matter, I'm updating the covers before I upload them. It's been years since I looked any of them over, it's been interesting how my style has changed.

Plus, I'm assigning the copyrights to the company, so when I pass, the administrator of my estate won't have to do much paperwork for the company to change hands.

83 books takes some time to update and move. So, I'm glad I'm glad to finishing up that portion of the business changes.

After nearly two years, I also glad to release Feline Navidad into the wild.

BLURB

After a horrible, traumatizing autumn, the Wilson family panics when a holiday tree mysteriously appears in their living room. As the twins search for their benefactor or foe, neither Kaley or Kristen bothers to ask their familiars. And Teller and Penn know who the real culprits are.

Enjoy this light-hearted tale of friends trying to make the holidays special for the people they care about, the cats who face a major translation problem, and the fae-blessed man in a red suit who can fix anything.

Amazon
Apple
Barnes & Noble
Google Play
Kobo
Smashwords

Sapphire - Chapter 2

On the flight home from a writing craft class last Friday, I started re-reading the Oz series by L. Frank Baum. I read so much faster now than I did when I was seven. I got to the part in the first book where the Wizard has gifted the Scarcrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion their desires. I finished it last night while catsitting my niece's feline, and started The Marvelous Land of Oz tonight while Miss M sat in my lap and purred wile I stroked her fur. I don't I could have had a better hour. I got home, ate some supper, and finished Chapter Two of Sapphire. All in all a very good start to the weekend.

For those waiting for the other promised books, I am working on them. This is the project of my heart I save for an hour or two on the weekends.

====================

Bright morning sunshine filled Allophane’s laboratory, sending sharp glints through the crystal beakers and delicate glass vials before being reflected by the magic mirrors. Even the metal instruments reflected the light, giving her a sense of hope. The fireplace remained unlit on such a warm, glorious day. She had opened the laboratory windows to clear out the noxious fumes from her latest brew. But the light and fresh air meant nothing if she and her sisters couldn’t find a cure for the king.

The clock on the mantel ticked away the time with its silver pendulum. Shadows and reflections shifted across the room as she measured and stirred and poured. Heating part of the solution over a silver Bunsen burner until it turned pink. Cooling another part in a silver bucket of winter ice from the laboratory’s icebox until it also changed from clear to blue.

Her stomach rumbled, but she couldn’t stop working. The Kingdom of Oz could fall into civil war if King Pastoria died, especially with his daughter and only heir merely a few months old. Two of her sisters, Beryl and Willis, had proposed the sisterhood should take control and act as the princess’s regents until she reached the age of majority.

Allophane knew exactly how the governors of the four lands of Oz would react to that idea. It was the same reaction she had when Beryl and Willis proposed their plan. Power of any kind could be misused. Magic most easily of all. With the queen’s death from delivering her daughter and the king dying of what everyone assumed was heartbreak, the princess needed love and care, not to be a pawn among the nobility or the witch protectors.

Allophane shooed away her wayward thoughts and concentrated on what she was doing. She carefully poured the now-cooled pink liquid into a clean empty vial before she added the chilled blue solution.

The two liquids swirled together until the lavender mixture started fizzing. It bubbled and foamed while she carefully fed her magic into the potion so it wouldn’t run over the top of the vial.

At the rapid knocks on Allophane’s study door, her concentration shattered. So did the glass vial holding the potion she’d spent the morning brewing. The contents spilled across her work table, searing the antique wood. Drops of her elixir dripped from the edge of the table, splashed upon the flagstones of her study, and spread across the floor until the brew ignited the small blue braided rug by her favorite chair.

Holding her breath against the billowing acrid smoke, she summoned a tiny raincloud to extinguish the flames before she stomped across the drier parts of the floor. Her azure skirts and white apron whipped around her ankles with the force of her bootsteps. She yanked open her study door.

“What?” She glared at Jamina. The diminutive maid wore her household uniform of navy dress, matching leather boots, and her pale blue apron.

“This just arrived from the capital, madam.” Jamina dropped a curtsey as she held out the pure white envelope, its surface marred by a blob of brilliant green wax. In the middle of the seal was the stamp of the royal vizier, not Pastoria’s personal sigil.

With dread dragging down her soul, Allophane broke the wax and scanned the contents twice. She was too late. The king was gone.

Her entire body sagged, and she grasped the edge of one of her cabinets to remain upright. “Wh-when?”

“The messengers literally just arrived,” Jamina murmured.

“Does my sister know?”

“Jellia took Lady Beryl’s envelope to her.”

It was the mannerly thing to do. However, worry twisted Allophane’s innards. What would Beryl and Willis do with the king dead? And which way would their sister protectors jump?

“And the messengers?”

“The human is caring for his horse,” Jamina reported. “The poor thing ran for three days straight.”

Allophane nodded. “Please see that they both are given a gold coin for going above and beyond their duties.

“Yes, m’lady.” The maid curtsied for a second time before she left and closed the laboratory door.

Allophane made her way to her chair by the dark fireplace and dropped onto the soft cushion. Her tears rolled down her cheeks. How could this have happened? She, Locasta, Amber, and Glinda had been researching and brewing and—

It had all been for nothing.

Now, the baby princess would grow up without either parent. Would she even have real love with the governors and the protector witches fighting over who would be the girl’s regent until she was old enough to take the throne.

A horrible thought occurred. Would the child live long enough to become queen of Oz?

Someone knocked on the laboratory door. Someone with force. Someone who didn’t bother with respect. It could only be the one person in Munchkin Country who didn’t respect her.

Allophane wiped the tears from her cheeks with the hem of her apron before she strode across the floor and yanked the door open.

Beryl took one look at her and sniffed. “You had to have expected this news, sister.”

“Just because your compassion is non-existent, it doesn’t mean mine is,” Allophane murmured.

“This needs to be a private conversation.” Beryl stepped into the laboratory and yanked the door from Allophane’s tight grip. Once the door was closed, Beryl whirled to face her again. “This isn’t the time to wallow in emotion. The deaths of the queen and king will throw the nation of Oz into chaos.”

“Excuse me for taking a moment to grieve the passing of a good person.” Allophane glared at Beryl.

“If Pastoria was good, he would have put aside his own grief to care for his child and his people,” Beryl snapped. “Instead, he wallowed so deeply he died of a broken heart. He is at fault for the current crisis!”

“I don’t wish to argue about this right now.” Allophane looked over her shoulder at the mess in her laboratory. “Give me an hour to clean up here. I’ll have Jamina and Jellia pack one bag each for us.”

“We’re not taking a proper carriage?” Beryl’s expression turned from her typical haughtiness to outright annoyance.

“This is too important for a three day trip to the capital,” Allophane pointed out.

“Not all of us have adorable silver shoes with which to travel in an instant,” Beryl sneered.

Allophane lifted her right eyebrow. “I told you I’d help you enchant a pair.”

Beryl made a very unladylike sound deep in her chest. “Fine. I’ll make my maid packs appropriate mourning clothes.”

“Her name is Jellia,” Allophane retorted. “She’s more than a maid.”

“I don’t know why you care so much about servants.” Beryl yanked the laboratory door open and flounced out of the room.

“Because you don’t,” Allophane whispered.

And suspicion at her sister protector’s behavior dropped a seed in her heart. What if Pastoria’s death wasn’t from simple heartbreak?

Sapphire - Chapter 1

The first chapter book I ever read was the unabridged edition of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. I begged for it for my seventh birthday after seeing MGM's The Wizard of Oz (1939) a couple of times.

And as I read it, I discovered that the movie only adapted the first two-thirds of the classic novel. Then, I found out Mr. Baum had written many more books about the characters and the land of Oz. He'd also left many tantalizing, and often inconsistent, clues about the history of the fairy tale land.

One of those clues was that Oz was ruled by King Pastorius and there were eight witches, two in each of the four countries of Oz. Pastoria's queen died in childbirth, the king died shortly thereafter, and the heir Princess Ozma disappeared. A civil war broke out between the witches, leaving supposedly four alive. When the Wizard arrived in Oz, his presence was the start of a cold war between the combatants until a tornado dropped Dorothy in Munchkin Country some years later.

I've always wondered what happened during the hot war. My imagination started filling in the blanks.

Sapphire isn't the first Oz story I've published. It won't by the last either. I hope you enjoy this tidbit.

-------------------

A light-blue umbrella shielded Beryl’s pale skin from the spring sun’s morning rays as she inspected her gardens. Dark blue brick paths wound their way around each section of freshly sprouted greenery or rich loam awaiting new transplants. Munchkin lads paused to bow or tip their hats in respect as she passed before they continue to weed the perennials and plant the seedlings of the annuals. The young men were strong and limber, as delightful to look at as the blooms in her hot house, but with a much earthier smell as they worked the soil.

She had no doubt they watched her, too, after she passed them. A quick glance at her ward revealed Nimmie was not as enthralled with the morning inspection. Pink suffused the girl’s cheeks. Whatever was the matter with her would wait. Beryl wasn’t in the mood to deal with any petty problem that troubled Nimmie at the moment. It was simply too beautiful of a morning for any worries.

Boq, the supervisor of the garden crew approached them. A middle-aged man with a bit of gray in his dark beard, he removed his pointed blue cap, jingling the silver bells hanging from its brim in the process, and bowed.

“Is there anything I may assist you with, Lady Beryl?” he asked as he straightened.

She smiled. “I need someone to help me with transplanting some herbal seedlings in my greenhouse this afternoon. Could you recommend one of your crew for the duty?”

The supervisor blushed and stammered. “Surely, you would want someone with a more delicate touch to handle your valuable herbs, m’lady, than this crew. I can—”

“Pull someone else from their duties?” Beryl flicked her fingers dismissively. “It’s planting season. Everyone in the province is busy as well this week, and these gentlemen are already here at my manor.”

“I’ll volunteer, m’lady.” A young man in the iris bed pushed to his feet. His blond hair gleamed beneath the morning shine. The locks were pulled into a queue at the nape of his neck, secured by a blue silk ribbon. The color matched that of his heavy cotton trousers. An undyed apron of the same material protected his white shirt. His sleeves were rolled to his elbows, showing off his muscular forearms.

Yes, he would do. He would do very nicely.

“Come to my private greenhouse after your lunch…”

“Fedall, m’lady.” He inclined his head.

“Very well, Fedall.” She nodded. “After your lunch hour then.”

She continued walking along the path. Nimmie scurried to catch up with her.

“Mother Beryl,” the girl murmured. “Must you use the people working on your estate in such a manner?”

“And what manner is that?”

“U-u-using them for your pleasure,” Nimmie whispered.

“Hasn’t the king commanded all citizens to support the royal protectors of Oz?” Beryl asked.

“Yes,” Nimmie stammered.

“I can focus better on my duties when I am relaxed.” Beryl stopped and stared at her ward before continuing her lecture. “Certain pleasures relax me. Yes, the people I choose give me pleasure, but I do the same for them in return. How is that not a fair trade?”

“I-I suppose it is.” Nimmie’s face was nearly as red as the southern witches’ tresses. If the girl wasn’t so loyal and valuable, Beryl would have sent Nimmie to one of the other protectors years ago.

“Are you finished criticizing your own guardian?” Beryl asked.

The girl stared at her shoes. “I apologize for my impertinence, Mother Beryl.”

“Very well then.” Beryl sighed. “It’s time for your lessons anyway.”

They took the left hand path back toward the manor. From the horrible odors drifting from the open windows on the first story, her sister witch protector for Munchkin Country worked in her laboratory.

“Maybe we should do your lessons on the north terrace.” Beryl wrinkled her nose. “Neither of us need to be gagging from Allophane’s current experiment.”

“My lady! My lady!” One of maids ran toward the pair. She skidded to a halt and barely remembered to bow in her trepidation. The instant she straightened, she thrust a brilliant white envelope sealed with green wax. “A message from the capital.”

Beryl accepted it, noting the imprint in the cooled wax was that of the royal vizier, not that of the king. She broke the seal, pulled out the letter, and scanned the contents.

“Lessons are canceled for today, Nimmie.” She eyed the girl. “Go see the cook about finding a task to occupy you.”

“What’s wrong?” her ward whispered.

“Nothing you need to worry your silly little head about.” Beryl forced a smile as she placed the letter back inside the envelope. “Unfortunately, my duties to Oz take precedence at times.”

Nimmie curtsied before running in the direction of the manor’s kitchen.

Beryl turned back to the maid. “This is not addressed to both me and my sister. Does she know about this letter?”

The maid gulped. “We received two letters, one addressed to each of you.”

“Thank you,” Beryl murmured. “You are dismissed.”

The maid also curtsied and ran in the same direction as Nimmie.

Beryl tapped the corner of the envelope against her right palm. The royal vizier had been smart enough to notify each of the eight protecters individually. Perhaps he was too smart. He would need to be eliminated before she and Willis launched their plan.

For now, she needed to display the appropriate mien of mourning when she spoke with Allophane. Then she’d use young Fedall to release her growing tension before she and Allophane traveled to the Emerald City for the funeral.