There stands the castle, extending towards the sky, touching the clouds.

Nova lets out a sigh of relief. Their journey filled with evil trees, cave of fears, and a rickety bridge. Finally they are here.

“You sure that we’ll be welcomed? The royal guards sort of have it out for witches?” Nova asks Ward, who scratches the back of his neck.

His gaze lands on Haze and her purple light in her palm. “Once I explain, they’ll let you through. Just as a warning, they’ll be apprehensive at first.”

“Yes because we didn’t know that before. I thought they were only chasing us in a fun game of tag,” she retorts, rolling her eyes.

Ward stares at her unimpressed, clearly not amused.

“Don’t you worry about us. We’re well prepared for people being unfriendly,” Haze interrupts their tense conversation with her enthusiasm.

Twirling a ball of lavender light in between her fingers, she continues, “If I wanted to, I could get in the castle by myself, but I would rather people want me there.”

“What she means is that we’re taking the long way by going with you,” Nova sums up putting all her efforts into the sarcasm.

As they approach the castle, Haze ogles the huge structure. They’ve never been this close to it before.

Nova would never admit it, but it does impress her. Spotless, white bricks. Elegant archways. Pointy peaks with their kingdom’s flags. Gorgeous pink flowering trees give the castle a pop of color.

What takes her aback the most is the sheer size.

Before she knows it, they are in front of the main archway that has a huge metal door. Six guards are stationed there.

Her uneasiness grows as she sees them tense up. Their grips tighten on their weapons so much that their knuckles turn white. Instead of casually scanning, their eyes locked on her and Haze.

“I’m back!” Ward announces, throwing his arms up in celebration.

The knights loosen up slightly, clearly still leery of the two strangers.

“Ward, what are the witches doing with you?” The tallest, bulkiest guy spits out, standing in the way of the entrance.

“Oh you remmeber us? How sweet,” Nova says in a sickly polite voice. The guards point their weapons at them for that comment and Ward glares at her. Totally worth it.

“No! They are going to help Princess Aziza,” Ward explains, frantically waving his hands.

“How can you trust them? They could be deceiving you! Taking advantage of the Princess’s fragile state,” a woman with a sharp gaze says.

“Princess Aziza is dying whether any of us are willing to admit it. At least with them, we have a chance.” They all look ag him like he has two, no three heads. And maybe an extra eye.

All six of them look at one another, communicating with only glances.

Finally the burly guard steps up, “Do you trust them?”

Nova and Haze turn to Ward, waiting for his response. She can’t help but feel doubtful. He could always turn on them.

Even though her mind thought through the worst case scenarios, something deep down told her he wouldn’t.

He squares up against the man. He stares at him directly in the eye. “With my life,” Ward answers, firm and certain.

The amount of raised eyebrows from the guards is actually comical. Nova would laugh in any other situation.

“Ok. You may go through and explain this to the king and queen. If they give their approval, then they can come in,” a guard behind him says. Even though the others are nodding in agreement, Ward immediately shakes his head.

“No. I was sent to find a cure. I have one in them. Princess Aziza does not have time for us to go through several conversations. We can discuss my choices after she is healed.”

He doesn’t waver. Not even once.

Nova stops herself from her mouth falling open. She and Haze are so used to running. No one would stand up for them. But here she is. With Ward defending them.

After a long silence with Ward intensely looking at the knights, they part with a clear path. “You better be right, Ward.”

“I know I am.”

Twisting around to face Nova and Haze, he asks, “You ready?”

Haze steps forward, causing the others to step back in unison. “I’m ready,” she replies, in her usually bubbly voice.

Nova nods. “We came this far. May as well save a princess.”