A Touch of Magic

Chapter Thirty Seven

Chapter Thirty Seven

Evergreen

I awoke to Brikwood reading from the book I had found about vepo. As I attempted unsuccessfully to rise, I realized I was lying in a bathtub.
There was one more thing that I noticed. My legs were gone. In their place, there was a bright green fish tale. I blinked. The tail remained. Brikwood was looking at me solemnly now.
"I'm sorry, Evergreen, but it was the only way to save you."
My mind flashed back to my leg dangling loosely from my thigh. I had lost one of my legs. I swallowed hard.
"How?"
I asked. My mouth felt dry.
"How did you turn me into this?"
"We threw you off a cliff into the water."
He said matter-of-factly. My breath caught in my throat.
"I'm one of them...."
He took my hand.
"You were bleeding out. You would have died. We had to do something!"
No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't force myself to be mad at him. He had saved my life after all. I glanced at the book. Fear was written all over my face.
"Don't worry."
Brikwood began.
"You've not stuck like this. Only in water."
I nodded. He tightened his grip on my hand.
"I know you won't give in to your power, Evergreen. You're stronger than that."
I smiled and squeezed his hand. Somehow, having him believe in me made everything better.
"Thank you."
He looked into my eyes. I longed to reach out and touch him. Before I could, I came to the sudden realization that I wasn't wearing anything.
I flung my arms around myself protectively. Brikwood was smirking and suppressing a laugh. I flung water at him and glared.
"Get out."
I commanded. He obeyed, laughing the whole way out of the bathroom. Brikwood was right. As soon as my tail dried, my legs once again were before me. I quickly dressed and joined the others.
My mouth dropped open at the sight of Night Cast sitting by the fire with everyone else. This couldn't be real.
Brikwood noticed my sour expression. He jumped up from his seat and took me aside.
"What's she doing here!?"
I seethed. Brikwood held up his hands.
"I realize how bad this whole situation looks, but please let me explain."
I forced myself to nod. I wasn't completely thrilled with his explanation. Maybe I just wasn't thrilled to be in that woman's presence. I sighed and bit back my anger. If Brikwood said she had changed, it must be true.
Or she had them all fooled and was planning to pick us off individually. Brikwood led me back around the fire, and I took my seat. I purposely looked away from Night Cast. It was her that broke the awkward silence that had ensued.
"I have some bad news."
She sighed, closed her eyes, then opened them and continued.
"SteelHeart has an army of his own. They are warriors from his own kingdom. His goal is to take over both clans and crown himself king. We must stop him before it's too late."
Everyone was silent. Demetry was the first one to speak.
"Our army is not large enough. We must consult the army of Evergreen's clan."
I nodded along with everyone. Night Cast wasn't nodding. Her eyes looked lost, distant.
"Is there a problem?"
I asked. It was the first time I had spoken to her purposefully. She blinked.
"Not at all."
I could tell she was lying. What was she hiding? More importantly, would my queen's army be enough?