•Culinary Magic–Portable provisions, enchantments for picky stomachs, and small luxuries.
•Gifts & Curiosities–Useful or memorable things for the magically inclined in your life (including yourself).
All the items have stories attached. That’s because I do, too. I’ve used these items in markets, guesthouses, train compartments, and borrowed kitchens around the world. You may never need half of what I’ve used them for, but when you do, you’ll be glad it’s in your bag.
— Zanfira Marinescu
Epilogue
Zani and Will said goodbye to Cosimo in Ondalune’s garden. They had parked their dirigible high above the bluff, though it was unlikely that anyone would have noticed, cloaked as it was.
“Try not to be so reckless.” Cosimo placed a kiss on Zani’s forehead.
“I can’t promise anything of the sort.” She grinned. She patted her satchel and glanced up toward the dirigible. “You know me, Cosimo. ‘Have bag, Will, travel.’” She had already settled on this as her new motto in life. A motto that made her quite giddy with joyful anticipation. “What more could a girl ask for?”
“Take good care of her.” Cosimo placed his hand on Will’s shoulder. “She’s a little headstrong, but Zani’s a great kid. I’m glad she has you to look out for her.”
“I’m the lucky one.” Will met Zani’s eye.
“As am I.” Cosimo nodded knowingly, staring out toward the ocean.
“Are you sure you’re okay staying here alone?” Zani asked.
“Yes.” Cosimo placed a hand on one of Ondalune’s sculptures. “I actually don’t feel alone. I finally feel at home. And I am looking forward to sleeping tonight. Maybe doing some crossword puzzles and napping in the hammock tomorrow. Do you know how long it has been since I’ve been able to sleep and dream?”
“I’m happy for you, Cosimo,” Zani said, following his gaze out to sea. “For both of you. Don’t be a stranger.”
She could see Will was getting eager to go and so was she. The sooner they got back to the dirigible, the sooner they could start planning their next adventure. And Zani already had ideas. There were so many places in time and space on her list.
“So long, travelers.” Cosimo raised a hand in salute as Zani climbed onto Will’s back. Cosimo turned back toward the sea, so he wasn’t watching as they left. He didn’t see them walking back through the wall of Goldie’s kitchen, and out into their dirigible.
* * *
The dirigible was parked somewhereover the South of France, on a warm summer day. Down below, the street markets bustled with artisans selling handmade linens and clothing, and produce stands covered with fragrant summer melons and berries. The restaurants lining the streets were filled with tourists eating salty chips and creamy gelato. A group of children played a game of leapfrog on the traffic barriers at the end of the pedestrian street.
Zani and Will were sprawled out in the dining booth, post feast. There was a pile of maps on the banquette seat, and an even bigger pile of travel gear on the table and surrounding chairs. Zani was finally cleaning out her bag properly, once and for all, with Will’s enthusiastic help. He couldn’t get enough of all her gadgets and gizmos.
It was like a bomb had gone off inside the dirigible. Her gear was strewn across every available surface in the main cabin.
“What the heck does this one do?” Will asked, while holding up a poker chip.
“Give it back. That’s my lucky poker chip.” Zani snatched the item back from him.
“But does it do anything?”
“No, it’s just an Ordinary poker chip,” Zani said. “I’m no cheater. Sometimes a poker chip is just a poker chip. I won a lot of money that night.”
“Hmm,” Will said, waving a hand over some other items and deciding which one to choose. Finally, he settled. “Okay, but what about this?” He picked up a crumpled napkin. “This is just trash, right? You want me to toss it for you?”
“Heavens, no!” Zani exclaimed. “That’s my Mapnapkin!” She smoothed it out. “You see, the beauty of it is that it appears to be an ordinary takeout napkin, but it’s actually an enchanted map with hidden inner layers that reveal all the top secret ‘locals only’ places to eat near you. Works everywhere.”
Will’s eyes grew large with excitement. “Are you kidding me? Do you know where to get more of these? You could make a killing selling them to porters!”
Zani studied the pile and chewed her lip thoughtfully. “You know, Will,” she said, “I really have a lot of great stuff in my personal travel collection. It’s actually giving me ideas about starting a business.”
“That sounds like a spectacular idea!” Will said, shaking a tin of Brevity Mints. “Aren’t these the same type of mints that Amrita offered us?”
“Yep,” Zani said. “Brevity mints are perfect when you want to get to the point, or keep a meeting from going on and on.”
