? Bijou The Ascended (Part 1) ?

Witches Before Wizards

"Agh! Yeez!" she exclaimed as she spun it into her hand.

"It's early," she excused herself before beginning.

"Now, witches are awarded their staffs from school. With me as your teacher, you'll be taking a different approach."

"What kind of approach?" asked Bijou.

"It's funny you should ask," Eda said, tossing a bag of potion bottles onto the floor. "You'll have to work for it. And Bijou, when you summon things like shields, try to keep a clear mind when you want to do it. And let's try on other things to summon when the time is right."

"Sure." Bijou replied with a smile.

"Now follow me," Eda said, leading them through the living room. "I run a few businesses. On weekends, I offer rare human treasures that Owlbert drags over from your side of the realm."

She patted Owlbert from the tip of her staff before picking up a toy sword and pressing the button on it.

"I shall smite my enemies. Ages six to eleven." The sword said as Eda tossed it away.

"But most days, I only sell the finest homemade elixirs and potions."

Bijou took one of the bottles from the bag. "Snake Oil, huh."

"No one wants an un-oiled snake," Eda said, holding up a finger. "Follow me."

She escorted them to the balcony.

"Today you'll deliver packages and sell potions to that town over there," she said, pointing to the town they had passed through the day before. "Bonesborough. You'll have to be careful. I have rivals everywhere who'd love to take my business down and you three along with it. You wanted a dangerous magical quest? Well, you three have got one."

"Any chance I can guide them through town while we're on the mission?" Hazel asked.

"Sure," Eda responded.

"We won't let you down, Miss Eda," Luz saluted...and then dropped the bag over the balcony. They looked over the edge and watched as the bag shattered, destroying all of the potions inside.

"I'm sure," Eda replied sarcastically, eliciting a nervous smile from the girl. 

With a new bag of potions, she pushed the three outside. "Remember, never befriend a man in sandals and always measure twice, cut once."

"Yeah. Got it," Bijou said, a drop of sweat on her brow.

"Good luck." Eda closed the door before addressing King. "I hate to interrupt your power nap, but you have to go with them" she said to him.

"What? But I just found the perfect spot; why do I have to go?" King grumbled. "You and I both know they're either going to get lost or eaten, probably both."

"No, we won't!" Luz peeked in through the window, startling them. Eda pulled down the curtain.

"They may have Mr. Fluffykins with them," Eda continued, "but I personally think they might not last that long out there."

"We heard that," Hazel and Bijou said from outside.

"And because you work for me, too, unless you want to start paying rent." She explained to him.

This prompted King to throw a small fit before admitting defeat and going outside to meet them.

"Be back by nightfall or risk mortal peril," Eda said as she shut the door.

Hooty said, "Have a nice trip."

"Looks like your with us for the long haul, your highness." Hazel said with a smile.