Chapter Four

Over the next few weeks, she'd been impressed with young Amberosia. Trusting the fate of the dragon's advice had worked. Once she'd infused the girl with magick, it seemed to just flourish. Things were coming along smoothly for them. After the morning pot of brew, checking on a few things; she went out the back door of the castle; to the caves. It wasn't more than a quarter mile, not taking long at all. When she reached his cave, the dragon poked his head out.

"Hello."

"How are you?"

"I'm fine, is everything well?"

"Oh yes.... I came to tell you Amberosia is working out better than expected."

"Oh good."

"If things keep slowing down, in a few months I may take that vacation."

"That would be great, you need one."

"Things are well, besides what could happen?"

"Don't say that, you'll curse yourself."

"Have you been visiting the Omenians again? You sound like one of them."

"No, but I'm friends with one of the Pegasus, Firefox."

"Why's he named that?"

"He can fly faster than a fox with his tail on fire. He's faster than me."

"Wow."

"I'm glad the apprentice is working out well for you."

"Me too. It's been enjoyable."

He made an I told you so face, she just laughed at the dragon.

Three moons passed without anything trivial. There were the usual mishaps when one begins an enchanted path. Using too much of one ingredient or another, goofing up a potion, boiling the cauldron over. Nothing that couldn't be fixed. Things had gone considerably well for both of them. The servant girl seemed to be a hidden gem when it came to magickal studies. Ambrosia wasn't just doing chores to earn her keep. She was eager to learn, as if her soul had a deep desire for magick.

A few nights passed when a message came to her by gargoyle, rather odd, she thought. She fed and thanked the creature, then took the message from him. Before leaving the nocturnal fellow glared at her; "It's urgent." Then he took off to the skies, like a tiny dragon in the night. Taking the message, then stepping into the kitchen, nodding to one of the newly hired servants.

"Pot of brew please."

"What kind would you like?"

"Witches' brew sounds good tonight."

Seven minutes later, it had been ready, the girl handed over the pot and a silver mug. "Have a good evening."

"Thank you," She said, then turned; going back to the office. A relaxing evening of witches brew and candles sounded really good. Slowly opening the door, then turned and shut it. Letting out a sigh of relief, walked to the desk and set the pot down along with the mug. Turning around, grabbing a few candles, getting settled in for the evening. Pouring a cup then letting her thoughts wander, she kept thinking she'd forgotten about something.

Sipping on the still hot concoction, thought it over until a half a cup later, it resurfaced in her mind. The message. She was curious as to who sent it and why. She hoped it wasn't a death notice or anything horrible. She stared at it for a long still moment; as if it enclosed held a plague. There was only one way to find out, she thought. Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, sensing it wasn't anything good. Maybe not impending doom; but she was sure it wasn't a tea party invite. Slowly opening it, looking over the message, the initial reaction being one word...

"Crap..'