It works fine for me. I finished the gnome event, finally had 1000 crowns and bought Maya.
After reading the forum I got worried and looked for her but couldn’t find her walking around my kingdom and I realized that I had to go to Town Square - Town Hall and check her in.
First goal was to visit a cottage and give a hearty stew. The reward was Alcina the horse.
Second goal was to collect from Alcina, she has a 4 hour timer. Not sure what she gave other than a blue card. Reward was the Crystal Ball
Third goal