Spellbound Chapter 4.

Chapter Four.

 

The Journey Begins.

 

Calizone climbed up onto Grace’s wagon, ignoring the offer of a hand from Prince Beldan. Grace signalled with the reins for her horse to move. Prince Beldan and Prince Mardan mounted their horses and fell in behind.

“Where to?” asked Grace.

“I have searched the Dark Forest for anyone doing magic,” said Calizone, “and found no one. So, along the forest road until we reach the open country beyond. Then I will decide which way we go.”

Eventually, the road led them out into open country. They had a choice between left, right, or straight on.

Prince Beldan rode alongside. “I think we should go to the left, to the south. There are lots of towns and villages that way, so more people to meet.”

“Straight on leads to the mountains,” said Prince Mardan, looking up from the book he was reading.

“Not many people that way,” disagreed Beldan.

“We are going north,” said Calizone, “up to the Ice Queen’s realm. It is summer up there, so just a little bit warmer at this time of year. Also, the folks who live near her are less likely to live in towns. Townsfolk do not usually have much to do with witchcraft.”

Prince Beldan wheeled his horse around and returned to the rear of the wagon.

Prince Mardan just carried on looking at his book.

“You were sent to look at the world as it really is,” snapped Calizone. “So you can stop reading.”

Mardan turned over a page.

Calizone pointed a bony finger at the book, and all the words in it dribbled out and floated away. “That will stop you,” she said.

Mardan gasped and held up the book. He flipped through the pages. Every one of them was blank. He shook his head, “I suppose this is what happens when one reads too much.”

Calizone held out a hand. “Give,” she ordered. Mardan handed over the book. “We go north,” said Calizone, “and no more reading.”

He stayed where he was as Grace drove the wagon past him, then he joined his cousin at the back.

Calizone looked at Grace and chuckled. “Don’t worry, the book is just as it was. I only made him think the words had gone.”

They drove on until they reached a small town. There was a Coaching Inn on the main road.

Beldan hurried forward. “Leave this to me,” he said. “My father pays a lot of money for these places to be ready for him when he is travelling.”

The Landlord came bustling out. “Welcome, welcome,” he said. “Good stabling, hot meals, and clean comfortable beds are just waiting for you.”

“I should think so too,” said Beldan. “I am Prince Beldan; this is Prince Mardan. We are escorting the Witch of the Dark Forest, Calizone, on a journey.”

Before Beldan could say any more, the Landlord rushed across to where Calizone sat on the wagon. Grace, meanwhile, had gotten down and was out of sight behind the wagon.

“You are most welcome to my humble establishment,” said the Landlord. “It is not often that we have such an important visitor. Please, let me know if there is anything you need, and I shall do my best to provide it.”

Beldan was not best pleased to be ignored in this way. He got down from his horse and strode across to the Landlord. “You seem to forget who I am,” he began to say.

Calizone made that curious twisting movement of her hand. Beldan stopped speaking and clutched his head.

“Thank you,” said Calizone. “Two rooms and a good dinner will be just what we need.”

Grace came out from behind the wagon. The Landlord took one look at her and said in an unwelcoming voice, “We don’t serve your sort here. Travellers are not wanted.”

Calizone took a deep breath and pointed a finger at him. “This lady is my companion and friend. You will treat her in exactly the same way as you would treat me. Understand?”

The Landlord went white. “I am sorry,” he bleated. “I did not know. Of course, of course. Please come in. My stable hands will look after the wagon and the horses.”

“I should think so,” said Calizone. Mardan helped her down. Quietly, he pointed out that Beldan was still clutching his head.

Calizone clicked her fingers and Beldan heaved a sigh of relief. “You would be surprised at how much better treatment you get if you are pleasant to people,” said Calizone.

He stormed into the Inn without speaking.

As they walked up to the Inn, Mardan said, “I cannot help but notice that you have not used any magic so far, except for that on Beldan.”

Calizone chuckled. “That is just magical hair‑pulling. And no, I haven’t used magic. It is actually very tiring, so I prefer not to.”

“The Landlord thought you might be about to do something unpleasant to him,” pointed out Mardan.

“The Landlord believed I would do something far more unpleasant than I actually would,” said Calizone. “I could have made all his beer go flat or turned his wine to vinegar or made the food rotten. But what would be the point? The only people to suffer would be us. I am sure you would welcome a pot of decent ale, a good tasty meal, and a glass or three of wine.”

Mardan nodded. “You rely on your reputation, don’t you?”

“Very much so,” said Calizone. “It saves a lot of energy.”

The food was good, and the beds were comfortable, as promised. The next morning, Calizone ordered the Landlord to send a stable boy to bring the local witch to see her. Grace was outside when the stable boy returned with an elderly woman. The woman was carrying a basket of herbs, lavender and thyme.

Beth Cleverly was the local witch, or charmer, as they preferred to be called. She looked terrified. “I have only ever done the kind of magic which is allowed,” she whispered.

Grace took her hand. “There is nothing to be worried about. Calizone just wants to talk to you. That’s right, isn’t it, Calizone?”

Calizone joined them. “Thank you, Grace.” She took Beth by the arm. “Now, if you don’t mind, we witches have magic things to discuss.” The pair walked away. Beth looked a lot happier now.

“I am looking for anyone who might have been doing more than just the kind of magic you do,” said Calizone.

Beth shook her head. “The only other witch around here is Meg Simpler. She works more with animals than people. I would have heard if anyone was doing more than small magic.”

Calizone smiled. “Good,” she said. “Now I will let you get back to your charming. I have taken up enough of your time already.”

Beth curtsied and walked away.

Prince Mardan had been watching. “She was terrified when she came, yet with just a few words you put her at ease. Very clever.”

Prince Beldan snorted. “But how do you know she is telling the truth?”

Grace answered. “She is as honest as the day is long.”

“Oh, and how do you know that?” sneered Beldan.

“I only have to touch someone to know all there is to know about them. Would you like me to tell you all about you?”

Beldan stepped back and shook his head.