freezer? Why, it’s at the back of the walk-in – over there. Would you please explain what’s going on, ma’am?”
“No time.”
Lillian moved to the walk-in freezer and pulled open the heavy door by the latch. She entered and went to the back, where a state-of-the-art flash freezer was set in the wall.
She poured a tablespoon of timewater from the flask into an empty ice cube tray she found on a nearby shelf, set it in the flash freezer, and set it to one minute.
The minute seemed to last an eternity in the frigid walk-in. Finally, without hesitation, she rushed out of the freezer with the timewater ice cube in one hand, the flask in the other.
“Bitter root,” she demanded. “I need bitter root.”
The bewildered staffer said, pointing, “Over there – in the spice cupboard – third rack – on the left.”
Lillian went straight to it, popped a pinch in her mouth, and then inserted the ice cube, swallowing it whole – almost choking on its size.
Immediately, the room started spinning.
Faster and faster.
All went white and silent.
She was floating. She couldn’t breathe.
Everything was a blur of white and gray, then gold and black.
She heard echoes. Voices.
Her stomach lurched.
She awoke on the floor of her own kitchen – in her cottage.
Clutching a brown glass flask.
She looked at the clock on the wall.
Eight-thirty-two.
She rushed outside.
“Ivan! “
The boy was wandering toward the edge of the Forest of Bann.
She ran out after him. “Ivan! Come away from there!”
He turned.
Bright, happy – alive.
She ran to him and embraced him tightly, tears streaming down her cheeks. She didn’t want to let him go.
“Oh, I’m sorry Mama. I won’t go into the forest – I promise. I just thought I heard something weird. Like a voice.” He pulled back and looked into her eyes. “It made me feel strange inside. It made me want to cross the line that you said I can’t cross.”
His eyes – his father’s eyes – looked confused. He had sensed the magic – it was drawing him in.
“Well, Ivan,” said Lillian, pondering the fact that she now knew her husband was alive. “You’ll get your chance. In four days, we will enter the forest. Together.”
#
The moon had shifted phase.
It was relatively safe to enter.
Armed with her spell book, her half-hexed staff, and a half-bottle of timewater, Lillian took Ivan by the hand and led him into the woods.
They each drank some hot timewater and quickly made their way through the woods, avoiding those who would take revenge for the territorial violation. They soon found the encampment of forest-dwelling vagrants to the north before the timewater wore off.
“Hello Charlie,” Lillian said, startling the vagrant as he stood next to his crackling campfire.
“Oh, hello,” he said with a friendly voice, pretending he had seen her coming all along. “And who might you be?”
“My name is Lillian. This is my son, Ivan.”
“Pleased to meet you. I’m Charl - wait a minute – you just said my name. How’d you know who I am?”
“Long story. You recognize this?” she asked, holding out the flask.
“I certainly do – that’s my flask. How’d you get that?”
“We’ve met before – sort of. Ever hear of timewater?”
Charlie nodded slowly, his eyes wide.
“Listen. I’ll give you half of this timewater if you and your friends help me.”
“Help you what?” Charlie asked warily, looking at her sideways.
“We’re going to storm the estate. Take the palace back from Regent Chief Vitchoti. And free my husband – the Earl of Bann.”
Charlie’s jaw dropped. Then he bowed slightly and tipped his hat. “Lady Lillian, it would be my honor for me and my men to assist you. ‘Course, it’ll cost you the whole bottle, luv.”
Lillian smiled, offering the flask to Charlie.
“Deal.”
END
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