Page 42 of The Hocus Pocus Handbook

“Do you think—”

Before he can complete the question, Rosa calls, “The Summer Palace should be visible over the next rise.”

20

The Sun of Summer

The artistry of this piece is rough, compared to the others in the collection. It may be reasonably surmised that this is one of the artist’s first works. It is carved into the inside of a wardrobe door, a carefully kept secret. The sun is stylized, large and asymmetrical, with rays arcing out at odd angles, forming intersecting triangles. The knife work is ragged and tentative, lighter scrapes followed by deeper gouges, as if the artist didn’t feel sure about the project. There are geometric patterns hidden in the background, like lines on a scrap of parchment. This feels like a love letter, but one that the artist couldn’t create in words. The sun remains the central figure, and it is vaguely anthropomorphic in an aspirational way. Some of the rays have been gilded with both wax and paint, but the project remains incomplete, lending it a rustic aspect.

Kerboros

In the distance, a stately castle gleams like pure gold against the verdant hills.

The lines are gentler than the Winter Palace complex, more gentle curves and seductive spires, minarets touched with glittering gems. I have never seen the Summer lands with my own eyes. I breathe deeply, noting the sweetness of the air. There is a balmy quality that differentiates this realm from the Winter lands, distinct from the variance in flora. White and purple flowers dot the emerald carpet here and there, and trees and bushes grow along the game trail. There isn’t enough foot traffic for there to be a path, as most of our people travel by portal magic or mushroom rings.

Yet Rosa doesn’t hesitate; she arrows toward the castle, and I wonder how she knows we’re approaching the right side. There will be gates set aside for each type of guest. Nobles of rank or visiting dignitaries should use the front, but I suspect we qualify for postern doors. None of us possesses proof of status or even a token that proves we’re conducting Lord Liskaal’s business.

We certainly don’t have the authority to be here.

“We shouldn’t use our real names,” I murmur.

“Why not?” Zeph asks.

A sharpening of Thea’s aspect tells me she understands. “Because we’re recruiting someone to help us locate the Summer delegation.”

“Who went missing in the Winter lands,” I finish.

“Oh. Oh dear. Yes, that would be rather awkward and might lead to unfortunate misunderstandings,” Zeph says.

“I can only be a pixie,” Rosa warns. “Size-changing magic is too taxing to maintain for long, but I can be a different pixie.”

With that, she expels a glittering cloud of magic, and when the sparkles fade, she is a new person. I should do the same, a glamour that will prevent anyone from identifying me. I have never dared dispatch the image that is eternally focused on Winter’s hound, a recognizable enforcer throughout the realm. I concentrate on shifting my features, blurring them, softness here, a gild for my hair.

There.

Zeph has already conjured another look, this one even more fanciful—pink hair, amber eyes, and haunting features; they’ll draw attention wherever we go, but any description provided will certainly be wrong. I wonder if we should all risk disguises or if some should wait outside the palace compound in the settlement beyond. Wild fae often live near to the court in their own villages, close enough to work or answer a summons. In Winter, the two have combined, thanks to my cousin’s inability to cede control on any trifling matter.

It takes Thea a little longer, and she uses a ritual that is unfamiliar to me. When she’s finished, she looks…the same? Perhaps a little more alluring. But then she ties up her hair and makes a few changes with cosmetics as well.

“It will have to do,” she says with a faint sigh.

“I doubt Liskaal has people looking for us specifically,” Zeph says. “Since he tasked you with this mission, and you’re supposed to be reporting back.”

“There will be spies.” I know this with absolute certainty—because many of his people also report to me. “However, you’re correct in one sense. He will be tracking my movements…and Thea’s to the best of his ability. I cannot say whether he would predict our attempt to obfuscate our movements.”

“And he couldn’t have anticipated us recruiting Zeph and Rosa,” Thea adds. “We didn’t know them before.”

Rosa makes a disgusted noise, radiating ire in Zeph’s direction. “I hate court business. I hope you appreciate my forbearance.”

“Couldn’t manage without you,” they say in a cheerful tone.

Thea appears pensive, staring toward the small gate. “Splitting up seems like a good idea. Larger groups are more memorable, and we do have an unusual composition.”

She is correct. Two high fae, one pixie, and…Thea. Who is unique in these lands. I would add irreplaceable if anyone asked.

“If they don’t already know Zeph and Rosa are with us, perhaps we shouldn’t be seen entering the Summer Court with them.” It feels like the wisest course.

I am not suggesting this simply because I prefer having Thea to myself. It is the logical path, offering maximum protection to everyone in our group.