More soon…

Signed: Sasha Briarwood, with Heathcliff White, Raina White, Logan Nederlander, and Devinaria Nile

Chapter 11

Party Pooper

“So remember, Nigel,” I say as the Pegasus swoops lower over the trees in the forest, looking for the pirate-ship tree house. “When you feel a bout of tummy troubles coming on, chew some mint leaves. It settles the stomach just like that!” I snap my fingers.

Nigel neighs in agreement. Thanks for the tip, Devinaria. And I’m sorry you’re having all this trouble with Fairy Godmother Olivina. All I know is she’s restricted the airspace over the school. We aren’t allowed to fly in or out without her written permission. This is the first time in fifteen years she’s done that! Something strange is brewing. You steer clear.

“I will, Nigel, and take care of Penelope,” I add, referencing his Pegasus partner in crime who helped us escape Princess Rose. “I don’t want you two getting in trouble with the royal court.”

We won’t, Nigel neighs as we descend below the tree line toward the pirate ship. We’re friends with the Pegasi at Fairy Tale Reform School. I’m sure they’ll let us stay there until things calm down. They’ll keep us safe.

I hear a whistle and see Prue waving to us from the crow’s nest. She’s shouting something I can’t hear. I squint harder and realize she’s not alone.

Fairy be, Logan is standing next to her, peering at us with one big brown eye through a telescope! They’re okay!

Nigel comes in for a landing on the deck, and Tara comes running toward us.

“What happened to you guys?” she says angrily.

So much for a warm welcome.

“I told you to stick right behind us!”

Sasha dismounts behind me. “We got lost in the crowd when the warning appeared on the scrolls.”

“You should have walked faster! What if Olivina had grabbed us?” Tara scolds.

“Thankfully, we got away.” Sasha pats Nigel. “Thanks for rescuing us.” Nigel neighs.

“He says it was his honor,” I translate for Sasha, ignoring Tara. “And he says no matter what your sister says, you’re a true princess.”

Tara’s eyes bulge. “You saw Princess Rose?”

Sasha smiles sadly. I don’t blame her. I don’t know how I’d feel if I had a sister who tried to betray me.

Penelope lands with a thud next to Nigel, and Heath jumps off. “Everyone all right?” He pulls at his ear, letting his kobold climb out. Sasha and I do the same.

“Yes, but Logan and I barely got away,” Tara says. “He’s not the quickest on foot.”

“Hey, if it weren’t for my suggestion that we jump in those water barrels and roll down the hill, we might not have made it to Red and Prue without being spotted.” Logan looks at me in awe. “It was amazing! Red was waiting in the forest, and she shot arrows with smoke at the police horses to keep them back. None of the horses were hurt,” he tells me hurriedly. “But the smoke kept us from sight. When we didn’t see you three, I thought something bad had happened.”