Chapter Text
“Get back here!”
Birds flew into the sky as the door to Marquerite Bakery opened with a bang. Rosemary grinned as she turned around to yell back inside, “Don’t worry Chicory! I’ll be back before dinner.”
Before he could answer back, she quickly slammed the door behind her and ran off, careful not to bump into anyone. Chicory wasn’t that far behind though. He ran after his sister, not much caring about his state of dress.
Inside the bakery, Fennel chuckled at their antics. He didn’t believe for one second that Chicory would be able to catch up to his little sister. And he was proven right when he noticed his son return, dejected. Chicory rolled his eyes as he walked back to the kitchen. “Thanks for the help dad.”
“You’ll get her next time, buddy.”
Rosemary looked back with a smirk when she noticed Chicory head back to the bakery. He didn’t actually believe he was going to catch up, did he? Everyone knew Rosemary was the fastest runner in Pebble. She made sure Flowering Thorn was secured on her back as she picked up the pace.
The people of Pebble were still busy this afternoon. Cattles were pulling wagons while children were heading to the local park. Neighbors said their quick ‘hellos’ as they headed back home or finished any last minute shopping at the market. Rosemary weaved her way through the streets, waving ‘hi’ to anybody who greeted her.
It wasn’t long before she was at the edge of town. The homes were now further apart. Each one with a different shape and large gardens filled with fruits and vegetables. The most incredible garden in Pebble was that owned by the strongest mages in town.
“Sage! Sage! Sage!” Rosemary yelled as she ran towards the gate.
Sage’s mother, Salvia, ran out of the cottage, her hands already working on making a magic circle. “Rosemary? What’s going on? What’s wrong?!” she asked as she looked around, looking for any sign of trouble.
Rosemary skidded to a stop in front of Salvia, a sheepish smile on her face. “Sorry, Mrs. Cornflower,” Rosemary apologized as she scratched the back of her head. “It’s just that Sage called me over!”
“That’s what this is all about?” Salvia chided as her magic circle disappeared. “Come inside. I don’t need you bothering our neighbors.”
The household was in full swing. Five cauldrons were bubbling in the living room. A broom was sweeping away any extra dust and ingredients. Books and bottles of stuff flew from one shelf to another. Plants flourished as watering cans poured water on them with only Salvia’s magic keeping them afloat.
Neppy Cat greeted Rosemary as she entered the cottage. She leaned down and petted the friendly cat as he brushed up against her leg.
“Sage is in her room, Rosemary,” Salvia informed her. Without missing a beat, Salvia grabbed one of the bottles above her head and walked towards a cauldron.
Rosemary was careful as she headed to Sage’s room. She didn’t need Salvia breathing down her neck. But once she was out of sight she ran towards Sage’s blue door, Neppy Cat right beside her. Rosemary didn’t knock as she pushed the door open.
Sage let out a shriek in surprise at the intrusion. When she noticed it was Rosemary and Neppy, she frowned. “Really? You could knock, you know?”
“It’s fine Sage. It’s not like your changing or anything,” Rosemary shrugged her off. She entered the room and jumped on the bed. Neppy jumped next to her and sat down.
While the rest of the house was at work, Sage’s room was at peace. The window was open and letting a calm breeze in. Her books were organized in alphabetical order. On her desk was her signature hat. The cauldrons are on the shelves, as clean as the rest of the room.
“So,” Rosemary whispered, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes, “did you get it?”
Sage playfully looked around before heading towards her desk. Her eyes shined as she reached under her hat and pulled out a letter. “I did. I got it this morning,” she squealed.
“Yes!” Rosemary cheered as she jumped off the bed. Rosemary ran over to Sage and enveloped her in a big hug. “I knew you were going to get one.”
Neppy meowed happily at his owner. He leaped off the bed and onto the windowsill. Without another sound Neppy jumped away, heading towards the roof.
“Look,” laughed Rosemary, “Neppy is so happy for you, he’s going to tell all his cat friends.”
“Thanks,” Sage giggled. “Did you get yours yet?”
Rosemary let go of Sage then shakes her head, dejectedly. Sage placed the letter back on the desk and gently grabbed her friend’s hand. “It’s okay Rosemary. It’s still early. We still have time.”
“I guess,” Rosemary shrugged. Then she perked right back up. “Let’s forget about me. We need to be celebrating you!”
Sage nervously giggled as Rosemary jumped around the room. Then Rosemary gasped as an idea hit her. “Let’s go open your letter at the lake!”
“The lake?” Sage asked.
“Yeah,” Rosemary nodded. “This is going to be the greatest moment of your life. You need a great place to do it. And what better place than the lake.”
“But,” Sage started to play with her braid, nervously. “What if we see Hackberry?”
“Then I’ll give him an old one-two. Nobody messes with you when I’m around.” Rosemary bounced one more time before grabbing Sage’s hands. “C’mon, c’mon, c’mon!”
Sage thought about it for a while. The place where Rosemary and her would usually play and pretend to be brave warriors would now be the place where her life might change forever. And like before, her best friend would be by her side.
“Okay than,” Sage ran up to her desk and placed her hat on top of her head. She grabbed her letter before facing Rosemary. “Let’s go to the lake.”
The girls headed downstairs. Once they let Salvia know where they were headed, they ran towards their destination.
Cobblestone Lake was already filled with other kids when they arrived. Young teens dipped their toes in the water. Others were hanging upside down in the trees. Every time someone belly flopped into the lake, everyone would cheer.
“C’mon.” Rosemary grabbed Sage’s hand and led her to a more secluded part. They sat under a tree. Rosemary plopped down while Sage pulled her dress under her before she sat down. The breeze felt great as the shade shielded them from the sunlight.
Sage took her hat off and set it down while Rosemary placed Flowering Thorn next to her. The girls grinned as they looked at the letter. The sealing wax was shaped in the insignia from High Guardian Academy. They squealed in excitement.
“Are you ready?” Rosemary questioned. She was shaking in anticipation.
Sage slowly breathed in and out before nodding. But before she could take the seal off, the letter was swiped right out of her hands! “H-hey!”
Above them, covering the sun with his giant head, stood Hackberry Trout. His cronies, Guy and Cactus, were behind him snickering. Everyone around them stood frozen. The jovial atmosphere from earlier was long gone. Nobody made a move. Everyone held their breaths.
“Well look what we got here,” Hackberry jeered, “A letter from High Guardian Academy.”
“Give that back!” Rosemary demanded. She stood up and got in his face. “That belongs to Sage.”
“What’re you talking about Rhubarb?” He scoffed, “There’s no name on here. It could belong to anyone. For all we know, your little friend could have stolen it from someone else.”
“What?!” Sage nervously grabbed onto her braid. “I didn’t steal it. I would never steal from anyone.”
Hackberry rolled his eyes at her. “Whatever. I’m going to be a good samaritan and find the rightful owner.”
Guy and Cactus stepped forward standing at full height. Rosemary growled and reached for Flowering Thorn. Sage immediately grabbed her arm and tried to pull her back.
“Sage,” growled Rosemary as she tried to pull her arm out of Sage’s grip, “we can’t let them get away with this.”
“I know. But we need to be smart about this. It’s two against three. We need a plan before we start a fight.”
Rosemary glared at the boys. Then she took a step back.
Hackberry smirked. “That’s what I thought. See ya losers.”
Rosemary and Sage could only watch as the boys left. When they were out of sight, Rosemary screamed as she kicked a rock away.
“I can’t believe that… that… big-headed jerk! He thinks he’s better than everyone just because his parents work at Lyngarth.”
Around them, the other teens started to whisper amongst themselves.
“I thought he was going to come after me for a sec.”
“He took my cousin’s favorite necklace just last week.”
“Yeah, he’s been hoarding everyone’s stuff near his house. I tried to tell my mom, but she wouldn’t believe me.”
Rosemary growled as she crossed her arms, “This stinks. I could have at least punched him in the face.”
Sage picked up her hat and placed it back on her head. “That’s why we need a strategy. Let’s go back to my place.”
Rosemary huffed. She grabbed her sword and followed Sage back to Cornflower Cottage.
The girls immediately got to work when they entered Sage’s room. Sage grabbed one of her cauldrons off the shelf. Rosemary started to pick at a few plant leaves and vials at Sage’s instruction. Then headed to an empty room with a burner. Sage traced a magic circle and lit the burner on while Rosemary placed the cauldron on top.
“So, what’s the plan?”
Sage opened a book and started to flip the pages as she answered, “I read about a potion that’s able to make a smoke screen when it’s thrown on the floor. It was first made in Yasuke Kingdom, you know.”
Rosemary’s eyes sparkled as the information. “And you’re able to make it?! That’s so cool!”
“I-it’s nothing. It’s a beginner potion so,” Sage waved her off. She felt warm at Rosemary’s compliment.
“Okay, so where does that leave me?”
“You’re my secret weapon of course,” Sage smiled. “How good are you with cardboard?”
Rosemary raised an eyebrow as she cocked her head. Where was Sage going with this?
The sun was starting to set. Shops and stalls around Pebble are closing up. Children are heading home after a fun day at the park and lake. Ranchers are leading their animals back to their pens and beds. Everything was starting to slow down.
“I still can’t believe that know-it-all got a letter,” hissed Hackberry. He had Sage’s letter between his fingers. “They must be really desperate if they want her there.”
“So, what’re you going to do with it?” Cactus asked as he followed his leader.
“Isn’t it obvious? I’m going to go to the academy.”
Cactus and Guy stopped to a halt, surprised by Hackberry’s declaration. They looked at each other before continuing to follow Hackberry.
“But wouldn’t they know you weren’t Sage? You don’t actually look like a girl,” Guy pointed out. “You’re kind of missing the long hair, the figure, the soft skin…”
“And the hat!” Cactus jovially added as he pointed at his head.
“Of course I know that,” chided Hackberry as he glared back at them. “But once they see how amazing I am, they’re going to regret turning me down. Now hurry up. I want to get home as quickly as possible.”
The trio picked up the pace. The adults paid them no mind while the children made sure to steer clear of them. Once they got to Hackberry’s home he looked around, making sure no one was watching them. He opened the back gate and ushered his friends inside.
The boys quickly made their way up the only tree in the yard and into an old treehouse. Even though they were too old, it did have its uses. Like hiding the stuff they’ve been taking from the other kids around Pebble. Jewelry, old watches, candy bars, and toys. Anything that looked to be valuable now belonged to Hackberry Trout.
Picking one of the chocolate bars in the pile, Hackberry sat down. Guy and Cactus sat in front of him as they picked their own snack.
“Now let’s see if she actually got in,” he crooned.
Suddenly the boys heard the sound of glass shattering. They looked around bewildered. Smoke started to surround them, shrouding them in darkness.
“Hey! What’s going on?!”
“Where are you guys?”
“Calm down,” Hackberry bellowed, “it’s just smoke. Just look for the door.”
With their hands in front of them, the boys tried to make their way through the smoke. But no matter how much they walked, they couldn’t find the door, not even a wall!
“W-what is that?!” Hackberry heard Guy scream out before he yelled in terror.
“Guy?! What happened? Where are you?” Hackberry looked around in alarm. He couldn’t see his friends anymore.
The smoke started to get thicker. Hackberry waved his arms in front of him trying to get rid of the smoke. It didn’t work. He jumped as he heard Cactus’s scream next.
Hackberry was distraught. He couldn’t see anything; he couldn’t hear anything. His hands were sweaty, and his heart was going a mile a minute. Tears started to well up in his eyes.
“aNd THen thEre waS OnE.” Hackberry shivered at the distorted voice.
Hackberry turned around and gasped. Through the smoke he could make out a tall figure. They walked slowly towards him, their feet silent. Their armor was bulky. But what caught his eyes was the sword in their right hand. It seemed to shine with every step.
“Who… Who are you?” Hackberry croaked as he fell on his behind. He tried to scurry away when his back hit the wall behind him.
The figure chuckled. Without another word, it raised it’s sword skyward and swung it towards Hackberry!
The boy let out a heart-stopping scream and rolled out the way. The sword only got a few strands of his hair. Hackberry got back on his feet and ran off. The swordsman wasn’t done with him, however, and followed in pursuit.
Hackberry dodged every swipe of that giant sword. He jumped, ducked, and rolled. He gasped when he finally touched a wall but yelped when he noticed the warrior behind him. The warrior charged at him; sword pointed straight at Hackberry. The boy didn’t hesitate and dodged. His eyes widened when he heard the sword splinter the wooden wall. Hackberry didn’t stay down though. He started to run away again.
Hackberry’s legs were aching, and his breath was becoming ragged. His face was covered in sweat and his feet ached with every step. Finally, he was out of breath and fell onto his knees.
“What… what do you… want?”
The figure walked forward. It’s armor was dull and scratched. It’s face was obscured by a horned helmet. It’s long cape was tattered and full of holes. Hackberry’s neck ached as he looked up at the figure.
“do yOU kNow WhaT yOU’Ve donE?” Hackberry gulped as the figure pressed it’s sword to his neck. “THe TriAd haS iNfoRMed me oF YoUR mISDeEd.”
Hackberry’s eyes widened. The Triad?!
“YoU haVE stOlen a LEtTer from A fuTure GUArdiaN. ThIs miSDemeAnoR Is PuNIshaBle by DEATH.”
“Please,” Hackberry begged, “This is… it’s just a huge misunderstanding. I… I was going to return it.”
The figure stayed silent simply watching the quivering boy. Seconds passed and it’s sword did not waver. Hackberry’s breathing became ragged. His eyes started to water.
“I’m… I’m sorry, okay? I-I’ll return the letter. Please… please just let me liiiive,” Hackberry cried.
The figure watched him for a few more seconds before sheathing it’s sword. It’s cape bellowed as it turned away from him.
“Return all you have stolen,” it breathed, “or I will return.”
Hackberry watched as the warrior walked and disappeared into the smoke. He sat there in silence. He was breathing. He was crying. He was alive!
The smoke finally vanished. Other than the gash on the wall everything seemed to be in place. Hackberry noticed Guy and Cactus in a corner of the room. He scrambled to them and checked them over. Other than their bumps on their heads, they seemed to be fine.
Hackberry looked around, exhausted. Nothing out of the ordinary jumped out at him. Then he noticed that letter near his pile. Hackberry snatched it from the floor and held it with both hands.
“This is all your fault,” he growled. “If you weren’t here, I could have… They would be…”
“Return all you have stolen, or I will return.”
Hackberry sighed. He looked around him as the tears continued to fall down his face.
“This is abuse,” Rosemary whined. “First you take Flowering Thorn, now this! The power has gone to your head.”
The Marquerite siblings stood outside their bakery. Customers came and went as they stared as Rosemary. She groaned as she fell to the floor, not paying any attention to the stares.
Chicory rolled his eyes as he handed her a broom. Not only did Rosemary come home late, but she also forgot to get home before dinner. Just because their dad let it go didn’t mean that he did.
“Sure,” Chicory deadpanned. “Now hurry up. You’re cleaning the toilets after this.”
Rosemary stood up and got to work, glaring at her brother’s back as he went inside. Sure, she was a little bit late, but she didn’t deserve this treatment. She was a Pebble citizen! She had rights!
“Rosemary! Rosemary! Rosemary!”
Rosemary jumped in surprise. She reached for Flowering Thorn only to grab air. She didn’t have it on her! That darn Chicory…
Rosemary was speechless as she watched Sage run towards her. Quiet, studious Sage was kicking up dust as she ran down the street, pushing people out of the way. She skidded to a halt before they could collide.
“I… I…” Sage forced out. She rested her hands on her knees as she tried to catch her breath.
Rosemary rubbed circles on her back, waiting for Sage to mellow down. When Sage got her breathing in order, she raised her arm showing her stolen letter.
“Wait, seriously?” Rosemary gasped.
“Seriously. Hackberry came by during breakfast. Said he was sorry and everything.” Sage then leaned in closely and whispered, “In fact, I saw Cactus and Guy returning the other things they stole.”
“Mission accomplished!” cheered Rosemary. She hugged Sage and spun her around in her arms. The girls laughed before the bakery door opened with a slam.
“Are you done, Rosemary?” growled Chicory.
Rosemary stopped to a halt. She placed Sage down before getting back to sweeping. Chicory sighed before digging into his pocket. “What’s the point? Here.”
The girls gasped as he whipped out a letter from his pocket. A letter that looked similar to Sage’s!
“When… when did this come in?!” Rosemary slowly reached for the letter. She held it carefully, not letting it get wrinkly.
“A tricksie delivered it last night,” Chicory shrugged. Rosemary gasped in horror. “We were going to give it to you yesterday, but you kept us up. Now get back to work.”
Without another word, Chicory headed back inside. Rosemary and Sage looked at each other then at their letters. Rosemary was the first to move. She opened her letter. Sage then followed her lead and slowly opened hers. The girls started to read their letter simultaneously.
Customers and passerbys jumped as Rosemary and Sage shrieked in glee, throwing their letters in the air. Rosemary hoisted Sage up and spun her around. But a passing wind broke them from their celebration.
“Rosemary, the letters,” Sage reminded.
Rosemary placed her down and they ran after their letters that had blown in the wind. Fennel shook his head as he watched his daughter and her friend run off, her punishment all but forgotten on the ground.
“Take care of the front, Chicory,” Fennel called out to his tired-out son as he went upstairs.
While the downstairs of the building was their bakery, their upstairs happened to be their home. Fennel made his way up the stairs and to the third floor where their bedrooms were. He walked inside his room and closed the door behind him. Sitting on the bed, Fennel pulled out a key from his pocket and unlocked the top drawer of the nightstand and took out an old letter. It was yellowed around the edges and it looked like it had been folded one-two many times. Fennel let out a breath. With shaking fingers, he opened it.
His eyes gazed at the letters, not really reading them. His wife’s letters were always filled with her adventures. Stories filled with courageous heroes, and cunning kings; stories about hidden villages and strong creatures; stories that he would once tell his kids as their bedtime stories. But this was one story he couldn’t tell. A story about death and heartbreak.
Fennel placed the letter down and reached inside the drawer again. He took out a heart-shaped locket and held it in his hands. The locket opened and took out the picture inside with trembling hands. It was their last photo as a family. Chicory’s and Rosemary’s smiles were bright. Their eyes shined brightly as they looked down at the cheesecake. Fennel looked so proud of himself. Arms crossed and chest puffed out as he watched his children.
Then there was Lavender. Fennel’s eyes clouded as he stared at her. He would always remember her last words, the last look she gave him before she left.
“Dad! Dad!” Rosemary’s cries could be heard from downstairs. “I got in! I’m going to High Guardian Academy! Daaad!”
Fennel placed the picture back into the locket. He folded Lavender’s letter. Fennel looked at it once more and placed it back in the drawer. With a sigh he headed back downstairs, the locket in his hand, and the letter forgotten.