When His Magick Exploded ✓

34: Sorcerers can have a sense of humor on a wagon.

When the grig's magick fuel gave out, Cypur and Arius had to walk the rest of the way, but it wasn't far to the next group of dwellings. They soon found the Lizlerrin in a headlock and Wescherlie proclaiming victory. It didn't take long to learn this chunky albino Lizlerrin with pastel purple hair was their guide to Yorkwren.

"Vanesskalypsia tri Pegglewinnius or Vanesska," the Lizlerrin introduced herself once Wescherlie let her go. "Barbarian! As always."

Wescherlie brushed her knees of sand. "Shut up, marshmallow noodle, you lost to me, again. Every time I see you, fatter and fatter."

Vanesska's lavender eyes glowed. "Why ya bird, bird—"

"What's going on?" Cypur turned to Arius as the two females started to bicker.

Arius briefly explained that Charmteller left a note at Thereanbold's to tell Wescherlie to meet him in Yorkwren where he will show her the truth.

Cypur frowned. The truth of his involvement, I hope.

But the way to Yorkwren was blocked by canyons with snaking gorges that didn't appear on the map. The only way was to get a ride because the roads tended to shift out where sunlight blazed and there were also a multitude of rogue portals strewn about like some sick trap collection. Few who lived in Orkorvia Town knew the correct route to Yorkwren.

"We'd be lost for sure with a guide," Arius sighed as the Vanesska and Wescherlie began yelling at the top of their lungs. "And the only one available to guide was Vanesska. I felt your magick and she said I should go and get you while she persuades Vanesska."

Cypur was glad Wescherlie was okay, but he wasn't happy with this wasting time. No more was he going to stand by and watch it happen.

"Wait, Cypur," Arius hissed.

"Stop this you two!" Cypur yelled, startling them both. "Wes, I've escaped jail to save you from police, but I'm glad you're okay. Vanesska, are you going to guide us or what? It's not like I'm free from talons here or have all day watching two females bicker. It doesn't matter if you hate each other."

Vanesska began to laugh. "I heard ya called Lil' Princess. Now appointed to Queenhood, pretty boy?"

Anger boiled in his chest at that old nickname.

"Are ya gonna cry, little boy?" Vanesska taunted.

Oh, you are walking on thin ice. Cypur called upon his magick, letting the gold pool in his palm. "You heard it on the news, right? This magick kills. Do you want to know what dying feels like?"

Vanesska's lizard-like face melted into a nervous smile. "I was just playin', boy. Come on then, I need to get the wagon."

Once Vanesska walked off, Cypur let the magick vanished and let out a long sigh. Then he turned to Wescherlie. Her hair had dust in it and her clothes were torn in places. He couldn't see any large wounds and her wings seemed okay.

"Are you hurt?" he said. "How's your wing?"

She bawled and jumped into his arms. He nearly toppled over, but Arius pressed a hand on his back, steadying them.

"Cypur, I cried so much after that I thought I would drown in my own tears like Alice," she said through tears that he couldn't tell if they were out of sorrow or happiness.

He gave a wry smile. "Whatever are you talking—" He paused and shook his head. "That's not the point."

Cypur pulled her away and lifted her chin, so she would look at him. "Wes, I'm sorry for not believing in you. I should have and we could have escaped together. Forgive me." He bowed his head. Nothing and no one in this world could ever replace her. Silence stretched on. "Please Wes," he whispered.