Fiction Vortex - July 2013

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  “My client has no obligation to answer questions,” Chaucer said to the crowd of horned, hoofed, and pointy-eared reporters.

  “It’s alright, Chaucer.” Samantha turned to the reporters with quills poised. “A letter was found by Queen Eleanor, from her beloved king, written in his sure hand, explaining that he had left the kingdom to her name as he pursued his lifelong desire to become a wandering vagabond. Surprisingly enough, the Happily Ever After crew found the Queen a week later in great spirits, having the kingdom under her command and being free from daily diction lessons.”

  “And what about the rumors that you were behind the king’s disappearance?” asked a centaur.

  Chaucer said, “You can check reports that Ms. Selwyn’s wand has been inspected by Sector 2 Bureau members and was labeled free of any malicious spells. At least in the past month …”

  Samantha elbowed Chaucer. “Alright, that’s enough for today!”

  Chaucer and Samantha pushed their way through the crowd and into the Magical Headquarters. “I have a box of bonbons from my mother in my office,” Chaucer said. “She won’t stop sending them since we won the case last month.”

  “Oh, to your office, then.” Samantha grinned, arm in arm with Chaucer as they walked down marble hallways.

  “What did happen to King ‘Charming,’ Sam?”

  “I turned him into a little playmate for Ella’s carriage driver, the one who drove her to the ball not long ago.”

  “Carriage driver — the mouse?” Chaucer said, stumbling.

  “Indeed.”