Page 43 of With the Potion in the Courtyard

We walked backto the Peregarnian outpost, the Scribbleberry safe in my hands. It was heavy, and it shimmered like a ruby that had been colored with bright red paint. The sun poured down on us, making the wax scent in the air stronger.

"Almost there," I squinted at the colorful buildings that looked like they'd been molded from clay and set under the sun to harden.

Robbie wiped his brow, leaving a streak of dirt across his forehead. "Good, this thing looks precious. Can't wait to see what Luna's going to do with it."

When we arrived, Luna was right where we left her, standing tall and looking like a regal figurine craftedout of a mud pie and fine glitter. Her purple eyes fixed on the scribbleberry as we approached and hope, and wonder filled her expression as she gazed at it.

"It’s here. It’s finally here," she whispered, stepping forward, her braids clinking with the sound of the tiny silver charms.

"Yep," Robbie handed the berry over to her with both hands.

Her fingers closed around it gently, cradling it like it was the most precious thing in Doodle. "Thank you," Luna said, her voice vibrant with emotion. "You have no idea how much this means."

"What's so special about it?" Jessie asked, leaning in closer.

Luna smiled, her lips stretching into a grin that could light up the darkest corners of Doodle. "These scribbleberries are the seeds of new life here. When a mom and dad kiss this berry, it grows a baby."

That sounded a bit crazy. And yet, it was kind of cool too, and beautiful in its own way. Very much tracked with the rest of the realm.

"Really?" I couldn't hide my surprise. "Like magic?"

"Exactly like magic," Luna said. "Soon, thanks to all of you, my baby will be born from this berry."

"Wow," Robbie scratched his head. "That's something you don't hear every day."

"Congratulations, Luna," I said as warmth spread through me at the thought of new life.

"Thank you, Cendi. Thank you all," she said, her gratitude radiating like the colors around us.

After Luna held the scribbleberry close, her expression shifted. She looked serious now. "You have fulfilled your part of the bargain, so I will fulfill mine. The friend which you seek, Jaylyn, is with Zorand," she said, and there was something ominous about her words.

"Who's Zorand?" I asked.

"A Lizard Wizard," Luna said, followed by a shake of her head that made her braids jingle. "He's powerful, evil, and not very friendly."

"Why do you think he has Jaylyn?"Jessie asked.

Luna sighed. "Our people do some trading, and occasional small jobs for the Lizard Wizard. They reported seeing one of your strange-looking people there."

I drew my shoulders back. "Okay then, point us in the direction we can find her, and we’ll get her back."

She laughed. "It’s not that simple. He lives under a huge rock in the desert, with cricketmen guards all around his lair. Getting in will be difficult, getting out with someone he has taken… nearly impossible."

"Cricketmen?" Robbie raised an eyebrow.

"Yep. But Zorand eats them often, so their numbers are never the same."

"Great," Jessie said. "Unpredictable guard shifts."

"And an impossible to penetrate fortress?" I said, feeling overwhelmed.

Luna smiled. "Not to worry. You’ve done me a great favor, so I will do the same to you. Me, and my people, will help to prepare you for the Lizard Wizard, so you have your best chance at succeeding… starting with going over the map of his lair."

"Thank you," I said.

She nodded. "We’ll also help you with the transportation you need there, any supplies you might need, and a place to rest, as the evening is already upon us."

"We appreciate it," Robbie told her with a smile.