The Secret of Spring

  “Help! Help!” she screamed, back in Damsel in Distress mode. D&.D for short. But who would hear?

  A big black bird landed on the window ledge and flew into the room. It disappeared in a puff of smoke and became the witch.

  “Swine,” she screamed at the Prince.

  “Yeah. Swine,” agreed Spring, beating him off.

  The witch pointed a long dirty fingernail, and the Prince was turned into a lizard. He went scrambling across the room and out the window. Spring could not feel too sorry for him under the circumstances.

  “You nasty little girl,” the witch said, turning on Spring now.

  “Hey, wait a minute, here. He attacked me,” she protested. “I’m the injured party. He’s not even my type.”

  But the witch was not listening, she was conjuring up a terrible spell, if Spring knew her kind. Quickly, she lunged and pushed the witch through the open window. Instead of falling, the hag turned back into the bird and flew off, cawing. Spring wasn’t about to wait for her to return.

  A shiny object had caught her eye when the Prince was disrobing. It was still there among his rumpled clothing. Quickly, she pulled the knife from the scabbard and slashed it through her braid.

  The room bent in half and began to swirl around, faster and faster. Was she going to faint? Ridiculous. She had never fainted in her life. She fainted.

  “Idiot horse,” Herb yelled. But to no avail. They were right back where they started from, the horse’s hooves beating a tattoo back toward the waiting dragon. It was as if he had been waiting, knowing Herb would return to his proper role. If this were one of Zygote’s preordained tales, there was no escaping the inevitable.

  Herb raised his sword and prepared for the conflict. The dragon reared upon his back haunches, fire issuing in a roaring inferno toward him. Herb knew he would be fried before he could get in one good swipe.

  How did Knights beat that problem? A lucky thrust? Herb knew his luck had just run out. As the charger closed in, he lashed out, and missed by a mile. Worse than that, the force of his thrust threw him off balance and sent the sword flying from his hand. Herb shut his eyes to wait for the end to come as he fell from the horse.

  Herb waited. He felt odd, but not scorched. He opened his eyes to see Spring and Cling Ling standing over him next to the well. How had he returned?

  “Oh Herb,” Spring cried, throwing her arms about him. “You’re back.”

  He was back. He wasn’t going to be a dragon barbecue. But he was less than grateful. “You and your Knight in Shining Armor! I was almost devoured by a dragon!” he shouted, looking daggers at Spring.

  “Oh excuse me, but that was no vacation you sent me on, either, Herb Moss! I was Rapunzel, locked in with a witch and a rampaging Romeo. It’s tough all over, okay?” She glared at him.

  “Oh,” Herb said, remembering his own fantasy. “We must be more careful. How did we escape?”

  Spring was still pouting, so Cling Ling had to answer. “When you two vanished, I surmised what the properties of this water must be. It was a simple matter of drinking and wishing for your safe return.”

  “I apologize, Herb,” Spring said, having calmed down in that mercurial way she had. “I’ll bet you were handsome in your armor!” she giggled.

  “I cut quite a figure,” Herb said grudgingly. But her change of mood was contagious. “How did you like yourself as Rapunzel?”

  “Well, I was a lot of woman, Herb. A lot of woman.” She smiled as she looked down at herself, seeing much less.

  Cling Ling would have raised his eyebrows, had he had them.

  “Shall we continue our journey?” he asked.

  “Wait, I thought of something while I was in the tower. Why can’t we use the well and just wish ourselves there?” Spring asked.

  “Oh no! That thing is too dangerous,” Herb said.

  “A moot point,” Cling Ling explained, “since we only get one wish.”

  “Stingy old Zygote. Anybody knows it’s supposed to be three,” Spring said.

  “Three between us. Must suggest we continue without further delay.”

  Herb and Spring grinned at each other like two naughty children. They had been very fortunate to have Cling Ling along to keep them in line. As they followed through the forest, the memory of the frivolous moment slipped away to be replaced by the seriousness of the task at hand. They had not really forgotten, but sometimes, it was just too painful to remember.

  24

  Lygate

  The top of the towers peeped over the tree tops ahead. The castle was set upon a rise surrounded by dense woods and a protective moat.

  Herb and Spring stayed out of sight at the edge of the woods while Cling Ling elected to scout the area. Certainly, he would be the least noticeable. Even if he were spotted, he would likely be taken for just another magical conjuration of the Master’s.

  Spring had heard that Zygote had done extensive experimentation upon both plant and animal life to create his mythical creatures. He had done well creating the illusion of a storybook world, and she had to admit it was impressive.

  White, fleecy clouds positioned themselves next to the perfect points of the high towers. A perpetual rainbow hung across a vibrantly blue sky, and the beautiful backdrop of the distant, hazy mountains and green forest completed the idyllic scene.

  “How ironic that this monster should reside in such an innocent setting,” she commented. “Perhaps that is why true evil is so seductive.”

  “Yes,” Herb agreed, “the most beautiful of flowers may conceal the stinging bee.”

  Spring smiled ruefully. “Guess I opened a hornet’s nest for you, Herb. I am truly sorry that I ever involved you or poor Lily in my troubles. I know you wish you’d never answered that ad.”

  Herb realized she had taken his analogy personally. That wasn’t the intention, but he could see it did apply. There was a time not long ago he had wished exactly that. Life had grown in a straight row then.

  By this time, he and Lily might have formed their union, for the seeds had been sown for their well-arranged life together. His father was considering him for a promotion, so pleased was he with the way Herb had conformed to the work of the firm.

  “A man has nothing, if he doesn’t have roots.” That was his father’s motto. He was gratified that his only son had at last planted his feet firmly in the ground.

  Yet, had Herb not answered the ad, he wouldn’t have met Spring, the Moon Maiden. He still recalled the first time he saw her. Her surprise at finding him at home, and how she had dropped her towel. Herb sighed. As he pondered upon these things he knew that in spite of it all, he could never regret meeting Spring.

  Then there was Lily. Naturally, he would not have her harmed for the universe. She had been the true innocent party in all this madness. She must not be made to suffer for his indiscretions. Aside from her innocence, she had shown herself to be a strong, brave woman, revealing a side to her nature he had scarcely known existed.

  Because she was strong, he knew she would understand. When all this was over, Founder willing, he would have to explain why they could not proceed with their union. He knew now that Lily deserved a better man than he. One who truly loved her in a way he never could.

  Herb knew that he had fallen in love with Spring, and that could never have happened if he loved Lily in the way he should have. It was not her fault. He would always care for Lily in a special way, as a dear friend, and yes, more than a friend. But his heart belonged to Spring.

  Spring, Moon, by whatever name she chose, filled his very veins with their life’s blood. Before her, he had merely existed. Now, he lived. It was awkward not only because of Lily, but because of the way Spring felt. There was that other man. The one who had betrayed her. Would she ever get over him sufficiently to love again?

  There was the loss of Spring’s father, and the hatred she felt toward this magician Zygote. Even if they somehow rescued Lily, Herb knew that was not the end of it for Spring. She would not re
st until the evil magician was brought to justice, and how could they accomplish that as well?

  He could not be so brutal as to force his attentions upon her at this trying time. Perhaps the time would never come. But he had to hope.

  Spring mistook his prolonged silence for agreement. “I don’t blame you for feeling as you do, Herb,” she said.

  Feeling as he did? If only he could tell her! But before he could gather his courage, Cling Ling was rolling back to them.

  “The cooling unit is there. It means the Freezer made its delivery,” he reported. “Our misadventures on this planet have delayed us more than I anticipated.”

  “And Lily?” asked Herb, fearing the worst.

  “Alive. I am certain of it. I overheard a maid mention the ‘Master’s patient’ in the kitchen. It must be she.”

  Both Spring and Herb were heartened by the news. Lily alive! Then there was hope.

  Cling Ling believed Lily was being held in one of the tower rooms, possibly a medical laboratory. He had observed the maid coming from there with her tray. She did not appear to be guarded, but in her condition, it would hardly be necessary. And besides, where could she go?

  He had seen only one grounds patrolman, but he was a giant of a man. If they timed it correctly, however, they might invade the castle before his round was completed, and then escape the same way. It was decided Herb and Spring would enter the castle alone, and Cling would remain close by to watch and act as backup as he had at the greenhouse, though they hoped with more success. They had learned from that fiasco not to take chances. This rescue had to succeed.

  Herb realized his declaration to Spring would have to wait, and perhaps that was best, after all. They followed closely behind Cling Ling as he led them over the lowered moat bridge, inside the castle walls. The imposing front gate had two huge eyes painted at the top. It gave the otherwise lovely castle an eerie look. So much for good taste, Spring thought.

  Cling Ling pointed out a small window that was unlatched, and took up his own vigil as look-out near the entrance. Herb boosted Spring up and through the window by clasping her waist and lifting, while she caught the ledge and pulled up. His heart quickened at the movement of her hips as she gained entry and dropped to the other side. He gave a jump and caught onto the ledge, following after her.

  Fortunately, they found themselves alone in the big hall. It was typically medieval in decor, with much armor and woven tapestries around the walls. They crept stealthily down the side, into a narrow passageway.

  “Which way now?” whispered Spring.

  “The tower’s on the left, so that way and any stairs, I guess.”

  They opened several doors, but none seemed to lead upstairs. The first floor was strangely deserted, a fact which began to disturb Herb, but he didn’t want to upset Spring. So far, they had met no opposition, but how long could their luck hold?

  “Herb?” Spring asked, gesturing to a couple more doors at the side.

  “Just keep looking until we find Lily, or get caught trying,” Herb said.

  “That’s what I’m afraid of. One session with Elton was enough.”

  “I agree. And I had a bad thought. If the Freezer has arrived, it’s possible Elton isn’t far behind. He could be here now, for all we know.”

  “We’ll just have to chance it,” Spring said, spotting one last door, and cautiously opening it. At last! It was a winding stair. “This has to lead to the tower.”

  Herb nodded agreement, and closed the door quietly behind them. Small torches lit the way up the treacherous steps.

  They climbed cautiously and carefully to the top, stopping outside on the landing. Spring edged the door slowly open. Seeing no one inside, she nodded to Herb, and they rushed inside, latching the door behind them.

  It wasn’t a torture chamber, at least. In fact, it was more like a ritzy hospital room, Spring observed. There were cabinets with all sorts of medications and bookshelves, and there at the corner was a built-up bed of medieval fashion with thick curtains draped along the sides, obscuring the view of whoever was inside. Could it really be?

  “Lily!” Herb cried.

  “Herb!” she answered. “Is it you?”

  Herb pushed aside the curtains as Spring stood beside him. Lily! She was alive! Herb sank beside her on the edge of the bed, taking her hand. It felt so cool.

  Spring reached for her bag of stones and selected a large, violet piece, placing it upon the vital center chakra.

  “How do you feel, Lily?” she asked.

  “That feels nice. Like energy going into me. Is it magic?”

  “Magical science. I’ll be glad to explain it to you in detail if we manage to escape from here. Do you feel strong enough to walk yet?”

  “I don’t know. I’m so confused. I was much better, and then when I heard you call, I awoke here—I—it doesn’t make any sense.”

  “Don’t worry. It’s probably just the effects of the medicines Zygote has given you. I have to admit, he’s worked a miracle! Try to stand,” Spring urged.

  “I’ll try,” Lily said.

  “Zygote helped her?” Herb asked.

  “He must have. Look at her,” Spring said.

  “Yes, the Freezer,” Lily said. “Now I remember. The units have built in alarms. When my demise grew imminent, the attendants were alerted. They transplanted me to another unit more suited to my needs. I was wilted, however, and am still very weak. I would not have survived if not for Zygote’s magic. But—”

  “I don’t know why he helped you, Lily. Probably to hold you as a hostage as Elton did before, but in any case we can’t lose any more time. We have to get you out of here. Cling Ling is waiting for us outside.”

  “She’s right, Lily. Here, lean against me.” Herb put a supporting arm around her waist and guided her as Spring led the way to the door, opening it. She jumped back with a small cry, gasping “Zygote!”

  The tall, wizened magician entered and closed the door behind him, a benevolent smile playing at the sides of his mouth. “Yes, my dear Spring. We meet at last. But then, I have been expecting you for some time,” he said.

  “No one saw us enter,” Herb said.

  “No? It is said the walls have ears. Here, they have eyes as well.” He smiled.

  “The front gate! Those ugly, painted eyes! It was one of your tricks,” Spring said.

  “Yes, they are a bit unsettling, but what they lack in beauty, they compensate well in usefulness. I observed your every move from the moment you entered these walls.”

  “Then, you knew from the start that Lily wasn’t me?” Spring asked.

  “Oh, yes dear. I was quite aware we had received a substitute in your stead. You are forgetting, I too, am a physician. I know nonhuman physiognomy when I perceive it, and the Freezer ride did little to aid her disguise.” He observed Spring’s green makeup. “But you look charming.”

  Anger surged up in Herb. He released Lily and rushed Zygote. He bounced off harmlessly into the wall, a foolish surprised expression on his face. Spring went to his aid.

  Zygote looked on patiently. “As a magician I have a multitude of defences at my disposal much less pleasant than that, young man. You would do well to remember it.”

  Herb got to his feet scowling. Only his pride was injured, however.

  “Be careful, Herb,” Lily cautioned, leaning against a shelf for support, since Herb had left her.

  “She’s right, Herb,” Spring agreed. “He’s dangerous as a scorpion. Don’t provoke him.”

  Herb had no notion what a scorpion was, but he had some ideas of the powers magicians possessed. Of course Zygote would be protected. Herb had acted by reflex, allowing his emotions to rule over judgment. It was clear they could not win by force alone. He stood sulking, but said nothing more.

  “A wise attitude,” Zygote commended Spring. “My powers have served me well in the past, and with your added knowledge, I doubt there is a force in the known universe that could successfully oppose me.”
>
  “Then—Lily—you haven’t?” Herb ventured, knowing Zygote fully understood his meaning.

  “Molested this charming young woman? Hardly.” He turned a paternal eye to Lily. “But this is an outrage. You should not be allowed to stand like that.” He led her to a nearby chair and saw her seated. “Forgive my neglect, but as you see, pressing matters required my attention. Your well-meaning friends may have cost you the strength we have worked so hard to regain.”

  Lily accepted the chair quietly, leaning back with obvious exhaustion. Herb felt guilty for taxing her strength in the weakened state, but there was no avoiding it if they were to escape. She probably would not have made it outside the castle even if Zygote hadn’t intercepted them. Her infirmity was an element they had not fully anticipated. Their mission had been doomed from the beginning.

  Zygote returned his gaze to them now. “As I was saying, I realized you had slipped from my trap when I first saw Lily. But I have great respect for all types of life forms, as you would know if permitted the run of my extensive grounds. Alas, it is not possible to extend such courtesy. I admit realizing you would probably come to retrieve her, but I have no desire to harm such a lovely creature.”

  “We met one of your creations, Zygote,” Spring interjected. “Sorry to inform you, but your friend Jasmine, is now just another lawn decoration.”

  The magician’s brow went up in genuine surprise. “You nulled Jasmine? Truly, I have underestimated you.”

  “Well, don’t get all broken up about it,” Spring said, sarcastically. “I suppose you can just conjure up a replacement.” She did not bother to conceal her disgust.

  “Hardly. No, I’m afraid the lovely Jasmine was one of my failures. We all make mistakes, you know. Once she had her full powers, she was quite uncontrollable. We had an uneasy truce between us, but I never turned my back. She did so enjoy practicing her talent.”