Chapter Five

Downing the witches brew, then pouring another, slowly reading over the message again. Shaking her head, as there wasn't much detail as to the problem; but there wasn't much detail as to what was wrong. It sounded like a quest. She wasn't unwilling to help, but rather was hopeful to get her apprentice a little further along before a possible life threatening journey. However things didn't always go as we wished it, she thought, then poured a little more, filling the mug back up. After a little meditation; decided that she'd go. Seeing it was signed by Salem and Pandora; she knew they wouldn't ask if it weren't important. Gulping down the still warm liquid; pacing through the library before packing up her bag of magick. Then after a deep breath, rang for the apprentice.

Seven minutes later, a light tap tap tap came across the door.

"Enter," She responded.

Ambrosia opened the door and walked in.

"Yes, miss?"

"Can you fetch the dragon? I have to leave and it may be more than a few days. I want you to watch over this place, keep working on magick... You may use my office while I'm away."

"Anything you say, Empress." She bowed, then went off to do as instructed.

Fifteen minutes later, the girl returned, knocking quickly.

"Come in."

The girl shuffled in, looking to the mistress; "The dragon is ready to go, I made something for you and Soranto." She handed a wooden basket to her. Peering inside, there was witches brew, mini cakes, muffins and cookies.

"What a sweet one you are, thank you. Keep studying while I'm gone, we'll work on more advanced magick when I return."

"Yes miss," She replied, leaving the office to get back to her daily routine.

The empress sipped at the brew, checking to make sure she had everything before walking out of the castle, to meet up with the dragon. As soon as she saw him, Soranto rolled his eyes at her.

"Where are you dragging me this time?"

"Your girlfriend's castle."

"Is Salem okay? Does he need help?"

"We'll find out when we get there. The note said 'family friend in trouble."

"So it isn't the hybrid warlock that's in peril?"

"No a friend in need."

"Oh good."

"Are you ready?"

"Yes, let's go." He replied as she climbed up his back, then gave him the signal.

He flew up to the skies quickly, after a few minutes she could barely see the ground. It was majestic, every flight to see the world from this high in the air. She tried to relax, worry about the trouble when they arrive. It was less than two hours by dragon. Peering down she saw a phoenix in the distance. Flying with him seemed good for the soul, keeping her spiritually balanced. It would often help clear her mind when things got overwhelming. The flight didn't take as long as expected, but Soranto flew here and back quite often; it was probably just like flying home to him. Looking outward, in the distance she could see the waterfall near Salem's home.