Page 65 of The Hocus Pocus Handbook

“We could try to orient ourselves through magic,” Zeph suggests. “Kerboros seemed able to navigate despite the mist, and I presume he relied upon tracking magic to do so.”

I’m pretty sure Rosa would approve any plan Zeph suggests. “Let’s try.”

“What’s the worst that could happen?” Zeph says.

30

Uncovered

This piece adorns the bookshelf beside the bed, and it’s hidden inside a sliding door. If you slide back the panel, you’ll find a pastoral scene carved as a frieze at the back of the cupboard. There are two figures seated in a field, surrounded by lambs gamboling around them. Use of different pigments highlights the scenery, a color-washing technique the artist has experimented with before. Other wildlife is present within the picture, and it registers to the eye as a puzzle with hidden figures rather than a single scene. Some animals are dangerous and could be taken as predatory, a threat to those enjoying the ostensible tranquility, and the obscured borders with irregular lines lend the impression that something more ominous yet may lie in wait for these two, a threat that has yet to be unveiled. The piece offers an interesting dichotomy, presenting a complete juxtaposition betwixt first impressions and objective truth.

Kerboros

“Here we go again,” Thea mutters.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Rosa asks with a scowl.

“It means that you’re tempting fate,” I answer.

I smile at Thea, hoping she’s pleased that I remember our exchange. Her lips curve just a little, not quite a smile, but her eyes linger on mine, and it feels warmer than a touch. I’m so glad we’re together in this. After what happened to my family, I haven’t trusted anyone in so long. But Thea has become so important to me; I can’t change the way I feel, even if there’s no chance of a happy ending.

Other matters demand my attention anyway. I stare at Zeph, who is still glowing with the intensity of my fading spell. On my return, I overheard Rosa blaming Thea for our predicament. That is incorrect. The responsibility resides with the party who tampered with my portal spell. I wonder if Zeph will admit it if I come directly at them. If they insist, I can cast the spell again and set the parameters so everyone can see proof of guilt.

“Tempting fate?” Rosa repeats.

“Challenging the universe,” Govannon clarifies. “Speaking for myself, I’d rather not worsen our situation.”

“How have you been surviving here?” Thea asks.

“I can’t starve, can I?” Govannon says with a weary half shrug.

“You must be parched.” Taragon immediately starts making a drink with pinches of this and that from her supplies, and then she passes the mug to him.

He accepts with a grateful smile, sipping with so much appreciation that I feel vague regret that it didn’t occur to me to inquire about his physical comfort. Thea is the only person I’ve ever been inclined to look after.

“Magical pathfinding,” Rosa prompts, flitting about my head.

I repress the urge to swat her away like an irritating insect. While she might be foulmouthed, I don’t want to antagonize her before I reveal the truth about Zeph. I notice their eyes on me in turn, and they fold their arms, seeming curious but not concerned.

“I haven’t had any particular success in that area,” I say. “Perhaps someone else should take a turn.”

“Are you suggesting I do it?” Zeph asks.

Thea answers before I can: “It’s certainly not within my sphere of expertise.”

“I could try…” Taragon doesn’t sound confident.

Govannon is still cradling the warm beverage in two grimy hands. There is a peculiar pathos in the contrast between how well he’s dressed and how disheveled he’s become during his exile. “If I could cast a spell and depart this terrible place, I’d have done it ages ago. I wish I knew how long I’ve been gone.”

“From the way Ragh spoke of you,” Thea says gently, “I do believe it’s been a very long time indeed.”

“I would concur.” I back her up on reflex.

She continues, “We gave him a flower, etched in rose quartz. He said it reminded him of a present you gave him when you were courting. He seemed so happy, remembering those times.”

“They were the happiest of my life,” Govannon admits.

“Why did you leave?” Thea asks.