The guards and brothers panted with exhaustion once they reached King Feledain's castle. As they entered the tall, stone walls, trumpets sounded in celebration. The king himself came to greet the royals.

"Tabazan, I can't thank you enough! There must be something I can do to reward you." Feledain told Oliver.

Quickly, one of the guards whispered into the king's ear, telling him of Tabazan's criminal record and his awaited exile.

"Oh," Wavered the king. "I see. Tabazan, you are now-"

Feledain was interrupted by a giant flash of green light. As it faded, in its place stood a tall woman in a sparkling navy dress.

"Mom!" Oliver rushed over to Vordalis and hugged her.

"Oly, I've been searching all of Briarthorne for you when I found the recipe for the Polyjuice potion lying on your empty bed. You've worried me sick."

"What?" All the royals and guards shouted, extremely bemused.

"Can you turn me back?" He looked up at his mother.

"Of course, Darling!" She twirled her wand, sending down beams of shimmering light.

Oliver saw his true reflection in the hall mirror and was overjoyed. His wavy, sandy hair and brown eyes had been replaced by his natural straight, dark brown hair and green eyes. He also noticed that he was now a few inches shorter and quite scrawnier.

"Now I must explain." He faced King Feledain. Oliver told the entire story, how he had made a potion to turn into Tabazan, his unfair arrest, and the many dangers he had faced to bring the eight princes back to safety.

The king was amazed at the wizard's bravery.

"I simply must reward you. Since Tabazan and Avianna are no longer getting married, you shall have her hand in marriage!" Feledain beamed.

Even though marrying the princess has been part of his original plan, Oliver didn't believe it was fair on her part.

"I appreciate your generous offer," The wizard spoke. "but I think the princess should choose for herself who she wants to marry."

"Fair enough. You are welcome to stay in Briarthorne as long as you desire, and we will arrest the true Tabazan at once. Would you like to stay for tonight's feast?"

"Maybe another time, your Majesty." The wizard replied, bowing respectfully.

Oliver had had one amazing adventure. He had seen ferocious serpents, flaming phoenixes, sparkly businessmen, and overcome the obstacle of being falsely accused of murder. Best of all, he saved lives and gained a sense of courage, stepping out of his comfort zone. He had conquered his fear. The young wizard planned to have many more exciting escapades, but before he did anything else, Oliver was going to visit the shimmering-sapphire fish, just as he had promised.