Page 123 of Charmless
It was Horatio who answered me. His voice echoed from one of the rooms behind the counter. I headed in that direction, ignoring the KEEP OUT sign, just as I had done on thatday when I had first discovered Withypole was a fairy. I had surprised him mournfully surveying his true reflection in a full-length mirror, his beautiful wings unfurled.
I hardly knew what to expect this time as I stepped across the threshold of the fairy’s bedchamber where Horatio awaited me.
Horatio appeared so tired, a weary nod was his only acknowledgement of my unexpected arrival. I longed to wrap my arms around him, but I restrained myself as the realization sank in. Horatio was alone in the bedchamber, no sign of Withypole anywhere.
“Major Frackles told me that Withypole sent you an urgent summons, but where is he?” I asked anxiously. “What is wrong? Why isn’t he here?”
“I don’t know. The shop was deserted when I got here. Fugitate appears to have disappeared, but I found this.”
Horatio gestured to a burlap sack resting at the bottom of Withypole’s narrow bed. I crept closer to examine it and gasped. The sack was filled with glass shards.
“The stolen aura crystals!” I exclaimed, lifting one out to examine it, but I saw nothing except my own astonished eyes reflected back to me on the surface of the prism.
Horatio grimaced. “I owe Hawkridge an apology. It was Fugitate who broke into the aura chamber the night of the ball. He must have known I would discover evidence of his guilt when he sent for me. The sack was left out in plain view. I don’t understand any of this, Ella. Why would Withypole have risked his life to steal aura crystals?”
“I can hazard a guess,” I said, carefully placing the crystal back in the sack. “Didn’t you tell me that you had recently complied with the law requiring you to have your aura collected?”
“I did.”
“When exactly was that?”
Horatio’s brow knit in an effort of memory. “I believe it was the day of the ball.”
“Did you tell Withypole you had done this?”
“Yes, I mentioned it.” Horatio frowned. “I recall being surprised by his reaction. He seemed agitated, though I had no idea why.”
“Because Withypole knew your crystal would have revealed to Sidney Greenleaf what I suspect the wizard has been searching for ever since he built the aura collector. The identity of Arcady’s lost prince.”
Horatio groaned, “Ella, please. No more of that?— ”
I cut off his protest, saying, “Please hear me out.”
Horatio sighed but gave a reluctant nod. I related as swiftly as I could all that I had learned from Withypole the afternoon I had found him drunk in the Winking Goblin tavern. The entire tragic story of his love for Marigold, how his jealousy caused him to betray her, how after her death he had tried to assume her task of guarding the orb and the identity of the lost heir.
“But he was so swallowed up by grief, he failed,” I said. “Withypole wept when he told me he had broken his promise to protect the children. One of those was me because he owed a debt to my father. He passed out before he could tell me who the other child was. But I am now certain he was speaking of the lost prince. You, Horatio.”
Horatio shook his head, but I insisted. “Don’t you see how it all fits? Didn’t you ever wonder why Withypole took such a risk by becoming your informant, trying to help you succeed in your role as commander?”
Horatio locked his arms behind his back and took to pacing as though he could avoid what I was telling him. But I blocked his way, bracing my hands against his chest.
“I believe Withypole was doing the best he could for you until the time was right for your identity to be revealed.”
“I am sorry, Ella. I am still not convinced.” Horatio’s mouth tightened in a stubborn line. “But perhapsthiswill make everything clearer.”
Horatio delved into the inner pocket of his vest and produced an envelope. “Along with the bag of aura crystals, Withypole left this letter. It is addressed to you. I was just getting ready to bring it to you when you arrived.”
I took the letter from Horatio, both curious and anxious about what Withypole might have written.
The wax seal was unbroken, and I had to admire Horatio’s restraint. If I had been in his place with so many unanswered questions, I doubt I would have refrained from tearing open the envelope, no matter to whom it was addressed.
Using my thumbnail, I pried open the seal and unfolded the letter. I was aware of Horatio watching me, maintaining a stoic silence. But I could sense his tension as I perused the brief message.
My dear Ella,
By now Commander Crushington will have told you that I was the one who stole the crystals. I don’t know how to destroy the infernal things, but do not worry. I have taken Crushington’s shard and yours away with me.
I pray you will not think too badly of me for deserting you. Now that the weak Prince Kendrick will assume the throne, Sidney Greenleaf will achieve the full power he has long desired through his puppet king. He has tolerated my presence in Arcady thus far. But Greenleaf will be bound to perceive me as a threat to the fulfillment of his ambition, so it is no longer safe for me to remain. Fleeing Arcady is my only hope for keeping my promises to your father and my beloved Marigold.
