Page 54 of Must Love Scones and Secrets
Around us, chaos continued to reign as the magical discharge created all manner of strange effects. Trees temporarily turned crystalline and chimed like bells in the breeze. Flowers sprouted from Smoke’s fur, making him sneeze sparks. Merry’s horn shot tiny rainbows in all directions.
Working together, we gently pulled the Ley line back into its proper paths.
Just as the ritual neared its end, a voice called from the edge of the clearing. “What a magnificent sight!”
I saw Elder Thornberry from the corner of my eye, but I paid him no mind. My eyes were on Rosalyn, ensuring I held the last Ley line in check as it flowed toward her. Nothing mattered more than making sure she was safe.
While Rosalyn’s magic was beautiful, it was also strong. With great skill, she coaxed the last of the magic through, tenderly helping it realign.
The magic between us straightened and began to flow like a calm river. A sound like a bell tolled, and the energy slowly sank back into the earth. I could see its glow traveling toward the standing stone where we had met the fairies.
The magic had been realigned.
“You can let go,” Kellen called to us. “The work is done.”
Breathing deeply, Rosalyn released the power.
Once I was sure she was safe, I also moved my wand away.
The runes on my body, however, still shimmered bright blue.
When Elder Thornberry looked at me, he gasped.
“Bjorn,” he said. “Those runes! Those are the royal runes of Frostfjord! Why, my own father made me learn them as a child. Those are the runes of the royal house.”
The words hung in the air. Across from me, I saw Rosalyn’s eyes widen, her gaze fixed on runes now clearly visible on my arms and chest.
Elder Thornberry’s expression went from one of confusion to a wide grin. “By golly, I knew you were too polite to simply be a Master of Horse. King Ramr and Queen Maren have a son named Bjorn. It’s you, isn’t it, Your Highness? You are Prince Bjorn?”
My gaze went to Rosalyn.
The instant she looked at me, she read the guilt on my face.
“Prince?” she whispered, the confusion in her voice cutting deeper than any blade.
“I…”
“Come, come,” the elder said with a smile. “My word, it was very kind of your father to send one of his children to look after us! A royal prince in Moonshine Hollow? Well, isn’t that something? And your royal magic seems to have helped us from a royal mess! Thank you, Prince Bjorn.”
“PrinceBjorn,” Rosalyn whispered.
I felt like my heart had dropped from my chest. And there it was…PrinceBjorn.
Before I could speak, the troupe of wild fairies appeared, their tiny forms darting through the clearing in patterns of evident joy. At the front of them glided a fairy man with a small, pointed cap with a red feather.
“Most wondrously done, O Charmed One, and thee, our cherished pixie friend,” the fairy proclaimed, bowing low. “The veins of magic now flow true once more. From Her Radiance, our queen, I bring thee deepest gratitude.”
“Charmed One?” Kellen repeated, looking at me with new understanding. “Of course. They recognize your royal magic.”
“I…am honored to help,” I told the fairy. “We all worked together.”
Elder Thornberry stepped forward, his earlier shock replaced with something like awe.
“Gracious fairy friends, I send the greatest of respect and honor to your queen, and I thank you on behalf of all the citizens of Moonshine Hollow for your help.”
“Of course, Elder Thornberry.” The fairy then turned to Kellen. “Guardian,” he said, giving the dryad a bow.
“Good Neighbor,” the dryad replied, bowing in kind.
