Free Back to the Fuchsia by Melanie James Page A

the one to shoot down her idea. “That’s genius, it really is, Jessica. The thing is…I don’t know the spell. I wasn’t alone when it was created. We need my cat, Darcy. She was the one that performed the spell.”
    “Dang it. I was hoping to be the one that figured out a way home.” Her chin dropped and her hands fell to her sides, deflated.
    “She went into hiding near the woods where I was found. Either she’s still there or she followed far behind as I was taken away. I half expect her to show up at any moment, actually. So we may end up using your idea if Darcy finds us, but we can’t get back to the portal in the field.”
    “Or if the place in the field is a one-way door to here only,” Ezzy noted.
    “I hadn’t even thought of that. The paints we used came from an alchemist’s shop. How would we get our hands on some paint like that here?” My heart raced with the realization of being stuck in the past.
    “Alchemist’s shop? There is an alchemist here. You mentioned witches and to be a witch in this, or any, kingdom can be very bad. But in any English country village is where you will find wise elders. These people are the healers, the fortune tellers, the matchmakers, and they practice many of the very ancient rituals.”
    “Huh! They sound like witches to me.” I was filled with hope. “What about alchemists? Or how about wizards? Got any wizards?”
    “I’ll get to the alchemists, but as far as these village elders or wise folk, I suppose they are practicing some of the magic you know. But a witch! No. Witches are known to conjure demons and collude with the devil to preform trickery. I’d advise not going to the villages in search of magic. You’d raise a tremendous amount of suspicion.”
    Jessica interjected, “Oh yeah! I’ve seen that in movies. Angry mobs of villagers carrying pitchforks and torches, yelling ‘burn the witch’. Let’s pass. Sorry, Ezzy. Go on and tell us about the alchemists and wizards.”
    “The court has encouraged German and French alchemists to come here. They are being persecuted in their own lands because the churches fear they are practicing black magic. But the king believes these alchemists studying their mysterious Grimoires are learning what is natural science and nothing more. In fact, the king has a court astrologer.”
    “Grimoires? Those are our spell books! Perfect! What about any powerful wizards? I’m hoping there’s at least one.”
    “Well, I don’t know if I’ve heard anyone specifically name a wizard. But this last winter, a stranger appeared at court late one night during the Christmas holidays. He was a traveler. His robes were ancient and ragged, but they were purple, the color of royalty. He had long white hair and a beard to match. Everyone has heard old legends of King Arthur and many people assumed this man was none other than Merlin himself—immortal and still traveling the world.
    “He didn’t stay long. It was strange how he quickly examined every single person at court. I had the feeling like he was looking for someone. For some reason, I felt threatened and I hid. He spoke privately with the king, then he left. He was never seen again. The king even sent the guards out to search for him, but they found no trace of him.”
    “Sure sounds like a wizard to me. They just love drama,” I said.
    “I wonder what he talked to the king about. So mysterious, don’t you think?” Jessica pondered.
    Ezzy shrugged her shoulders, unable to find an answer. “The king’s private business. Don’t even consider speaking about it around anyone. In any case, I’ll call the ladies in so you can prepare for tonight. I’ll return here in an hour to accompany you to court.”

Chapter 14
    His Hotness, California King
    I already missed the old Ezzy. It may be an odd thing to say because the new Ezzy was so polite and friendly compared to the caustic manners of old Ezzy. Still, Ezzy’s friendship had always been true and her