Disclaimer: I do not own The Tenth Kingdom in any way, shape, or form.
The White Mirror
A Fanfiction Sequel to The Tenth Kingdom
CHAPTER ONE
King Wendell sat at his desk, his head in his hands. The noise was too much . He stood up and walked over to the window.
The palace grounds were in shambles. The turrets were covered in dust and rock, at least the ones that were still standing. His palace's courtyard was a mess of debris. The men that were scattered about were slowly disassembling his castle. The King gritted his teeth. And to think this had been his idea! An extremely long letter from the troll king sat on his desk and he couldn't concentrate on a word of it because of these imbeciles wreaking havoc in his garden.
Where in God's name is Antony? he shouted ill-temeredly at one of the guards who was standing just inside the door.
He-he's not here your majesty, the guard stammered. He's gone to visit the Lady Virginia for a few days.
Wendell sighed. Of course. How could he forget?
Inform me the minute he arrives, the King ordered.
Yes, Sire.
Wendell headed for his chambers. It was amazing how much he relied on that manservant. Actually, he was more of a friend to Wendell now. Besides, Antony was bringing what he called an Industrial Revolution to the Nine Kingdoms. And he was starting with Wendell's new bouncing castle. Those seemed to be Antony's specialty.
It'll be more interesting at least, mumbled Wendell. Being King had not been as thrilling as he had hoped. But it was certainty better than being a dog. That hadn't been a pleasant experience.
I wonder how Virginia and Wolf are, he said to himself as he reached his room. He glanced at the Traveling mirror propped up against a bookshelf. The two had gone through it a couple weeks ago, as Tony had yesterday. They had brought their baby boy, Patrick, with them. All the maids had fawned over him and congratulated Virginia, who had looked quite happy. Almost as happy as Wolf.
Wendell stared at his reflection in the magic mirror.
I should go to Man Hat In someday.
***
Dad. Please. Stop, Virginia rolled her eyes. Dad, give him to me. She reached for Patrick.
Tony said sternly, I should be able to spend time with my own grandson. Shouldn't I, wittle Patty-watty, cutie pie baby, oh yes, tickle, tickle, tickle!
Patrick's bright green eyes lit up and he howled with laughter. Tony's eyes were misty and he was talking in his baby voice. Virginia, disgusted, couldn't stand it any longer. Patrick seemed to be enjoying the smothering, so she left them alone. After all, they only saw each other every couple months.
Virginia walked slowly down the stairs of their new apartment, running her hand over the banister. She smiled as she remembered how it came to be theirs. To put it mildly, the Murrys had seemed to be unusually generous with their spending money when Virginia and Wolf had returned from the Nine Kingdoms. In fact, the Murrys had begged the two to take everything they owned. Virginia couldn't help but accept some. She saw it as pay back for all those years of Murry misery. Besides, she and Wolf hadn't had any money when they first got back. And the spell had to wear off sometime, didn't it?
Virginia reached the bottom of the stairs and paused to look out the window. It was raining again. Virginia sighed and closed the blinds. The weather had been nothing but rain for almost two months now. Nothing but rain. New York City was starting to flood, but luckily they were on the twentieth story of their apartment building. It still gave her a headache. She headed to the kitchen for some aspirin.
Wolf exclaimed from his seat at the table in the kitchen as she walked in. He was reading a cookbook. Where did you get this thing? There are some great recipes I could use at the Grill.
Oh, I wouldn't do that, Virginia warned, walking over and taking the book. Grand- mother gave this to Dad a long time ago. She was probably trying to kill him - I thought I threw this out already. She flipped through the pages and laughed.
Wolf looked slightly disappointed but shrugged. Well, I have lots of other ones.
Yes, you do, Virginia answered without hesitation, and tossed the book into the garbage. She reached into the cupboard for the aspirin.
Does it rain this much in the Kingdoms? she asked Wolf.
Virginia, have you ever read a fairy tale where it rains? Of course not, he said, as if this were obvious. He smiled. Somebody could get wet. It only rains at night in the Kingdoms.
Virginia poured herself a glass of water and winced as she swallowed the pills. That sounds really nice..., she sighed.
Suddenly it was dark. Virginia and Wolf looked at each other, then up at the hanging light on the ceiling. The power had gone out. They both rushed to the window.
New York City was dark. All the buildings that had been brightly lit a moment before now looked like part of the silent night sky. Virginia gasped and put a hand to her mouth. She had never imagined this would come with the storm. It was like one of those Y2K horror movies, and here she was, living it. She could already hear the honking and yelling twenty stories below.
She looked up at Wolf and bit her lip.
he faltered. We could go to the Kingdoms?
That's a wonderful idea! Virginia cried, relieved. This could get really messy, you know. I mean, I can't see a light anywhere for miles- it's the perfect opportunity for murderers and thieves to...um... uh... I'll go pack! She ran up the stairs.
I'm sure it'll come back on soon! Wolf called after her, then shrugged his shoulders and smiled.
Virginia nearly ran into Tony, carrying Patrick, as they were coming down the stairs in the dark. The lights are off, you know, Tony informed her unnecessarily.
We're leaving, she said shortly, taking Patrick.
For the Kingdoms! Virginia, exasperated, hurried to her room.
Oh, oh. Good idea, Tony said. He started downstairs, then stopped. You do realize that there's no electricity in the Kingdoms, either.
But they never have electricity, so there won't be any ax murderers running around because it's out!
Wolf rolled his eyes towards Virginia as he came up the stairs. Tony shook his head and went to the den where he would have been sleeping for the weekend. This was a short vacation, he muttered as he groped for his sleeping bag in the dark.
* * *
Tony, Wolf, and Virginia holding Patrick in a carrier all stood under three umbrellas in the middle of a dark Central park. The ground was so wet that their feet were almost covered in mud, and rain was paying no attention to their umbrellas, drenching all of them despite their efforts to stay dry.
They were searching for the portal to the Nine Kingdoms, the magical Mirror, which from the Tenth Kingdom's side looked like a piece of the forest that didn't fit. It was turning out to be more than difficult to find in the rain and dark.
Maybe they didn't turn it on yet, Virginia suggested half-heartedly to Tony, who had just untangled his head from a nearby bush.
I specifically told them, using this very reliable hand-held Spying Mirror, Tony ex-plained, irritably waving a tiny mirror in front of her face, that we would be here at exactly this time and that this is when they should turn the Mirror on.
Well, it's not here, Virginia mumbled.
Here it is! Wolf yelled from behind them. Tony smirked and walked over to him. Virginia followed sourly, lugging Patrick along with her.
They stood in front of the blurry, watery surface of a magic traveling Mirror.
Oh, great. I'll go first, Tony smiled even wider and walked up to the Mirror.
Sure, Dad. We don't mind, Virginia said sarcastically, brushing a strand of dripping -wet hair out of her face.
Tony ignored her, held tightly to the three bags full of diapers and bottles that he was carrying, and stepped into the mirror. His body seemed to liquify for a moment, and then he disappeared.
Here, Wolf. Take this. Virginia handed him the baby carrier after taking Patrick out of it. I'll hold him while I go through, she said. You can go first.
All right, Wolf said eagerly. He took a huge step and vanished into the watery surface.
Virginia clutched Patrick tightly to her chest. He had just woken up- it was amazing what babies could sleep through- and he was busy being fascinated by the strange sight before him. Virginia was always nervous about taking him with her through the mirror, but she had gotten used to the idea, as Patrick had, because they did it often to visit with Wendell. Still, she took a deep breath as everything around her changed.
Smash! Smash! Smash!
Virginia and Patrick flew through the dozens of mirrors that were always there, unbroken, each time the mirror was used. Virginia had figured out that they must be some kind of illusion, because it didn't hurt at all when they smashed into the glass. Her eyes were shut tightly as they always were on this trip. Patrick was laughing and waving his fists. Virginia wasn't aware of anything except Patrick and crashing mirrors.
Then, in one terrible second, Patrick was gone. Virginia's eyes flew open and she whipped her head back. Patrick was stuck in one of the mirrors. And the mirror had turned white. Virginia's blood turned to stone. She watched, helpless, as her son started to wail. He was framed inside the mirror, cracks rippling out on the glass from his tiny body. Virginia screamed but she couldn't stop herself from flying further away, and the last she saw of Patrick was the mirror swallowing him up, and she knew she would never reach him.
Virginia fell to the floor of Wendell's palace gasping for air. For a moment she didn't move, then she stood up, turned around, and slammed her body against the mirror. She was again lost in the world of mirrors.
Smash! Smash! Smash! Smashsmashsmashsmash!
Virginia heard screaming, the most awful, bone-chilling screaming, and it took her a moment to realize it was herself.
And then it was over again. She hadn't seen Patrick at all. He had really vanished. Virginia collapsed into the mud of New York, her hot tears drenching her almost as much as the puddle she was sitting in. All she knew was a cold, empty yet heavy feeling that made her limbs too much of a burden to lift her hand to her face.
Suddenly Wolf was beside her, his eyes wide with fear. Virginia rested her head on his shoulder and sobbed. Wolf was too shocked to do anything. He just stared into the growing darkness.
He had seen it all, through the mirror from the other side. Patrick had been ripped from Virginia's arms and trapped in one of the mirrors that she had just passed through, and the mirror had turned white. Virginia had continued to come towards him, but Patrick had seemed to fly further away, finally being devoured by the mirror, or so it looked. And when they had come back through, he wasn't there. Gone.
Wolf stood up and dragged Virginia up off the ground also. He shook her to get her to look at him, and when she did, her expression was so frightened and desperate, it almost made him burst out in tears.
he said gently, trying to keep the pain out of his voice, We need to go back. We can't do anything here.
She nodded. She knew that, but she was so scared. She took Wolf's hand, and he stepped through the mirror before either of them could think about it.
The sound of smashing mirrors seemed far away and blurred. They both looked for their son amidst the chaos, but unsurprisingly he was nowhere to be seen.
Wolf and Virginia stumbled into the palace where Tony, Wendell, and a dozen servants and guards stood waiting for them with worried, bewildered looks on their faces.
Are you all right? asked Wendell, staring at them.
Wolf looked at Virginia. They hadn't seen, he realized. How were they going to explain?
Virginia went over to a chair and sat down with a thump. Her heart felt like lead. She put her head in her hands, but didn't cry. She was done crying. For now.
CHAPTER TWO
They all stood around the mirror anxiously. They being Virginia, Wolf, Tony, and Wendell. The mirror being a magic Spying Mirror. Anxiously meaning in a state of raging terror.
Why isn't it working?! Wolf was about to add one more smashed mirror to his problems. But then he would never see his son again. Not to mention he would have seven years bad luck.
This isn't the fastest mirror in the Nine Kingdoms, all right? Tony snapped, his face a bright red.
I realized it isn't the fastest mirror after the first half hour of standing here watching it. Now, why isn't it working? Wolf asked through gritted teeth.
How am I supposed to know? I didn't make the stupid thing. And don't look at me like it's my fault! Tony yelled.
Well, you are the one who was banging and kicking it before, Wendell said accusingly. Then to Wolf, But you're the one who insulted it.
How was I supposed to know Mirrors had feelings? Wolf muttered.
All of you shut up! Virginia screamed. They all fell silent. In a quieter, but just as menacing voice, she continued, Every second you three stand there arguing, that's one more minute we're away from Patrick. Right now, get that Mirror to show us the Dwarves.
That's easier said than done, Tony said in an undertone.
Fine. If you can't do it, I will. Virginia stepped up to the Mirror, gave them all withering look, and said slowly and deliberately, Summon the Dwarves of Dragon Mountain. Please .
The Mirror's surface shimmered and suddenly a tiny man's face appeared. Wendell, Wolf, and Tony shook their heads in disbelief, but Virginia just looked at the Dwarf with interest. The others did the same.
Wolf recognized the Dwarf as the Governor of the most prosperous Dwarf mine in the Ninth Kingdom. He was also the one who had sentenced Virginia and Tony to death during their visit to that Kingdom. The Governor looked a bit more humble before Wendell and the heroes who had saved the Nine Kingdoms now.
Ah, King Wendell, he said, bowing, What a pleasant surprise.
Behind the Dwarf, Wolf could see hordes of other little men. They were working diligently, intent on their life's work of making magic mirrors. Wolf only hoped that one of those mirrors might help him find his son.
Yes, Governor, but it is anything but pleasant, I'm afraid, Wendell said seriously.
The Dwarf's face sunk. What is it?
Wendell hesitated. Virginia and Wolf were passing through the remaining traveling mirror and, see, you know how there's that illusion when there's all those mirrors and then Patrick kind of... Wendell trailed off and looked at Wolf apologetically. You explain. I didn't even see it.
Wolf sighed and turned to the mirror that held Dragon Mountain and the people who might help them. If they could explain what he was going to tell them.
He was stuck in one of the mirrors, and it turned white. And then he disappeared.
Several seconds passed in silence. The Governor showed no sign that he had even heard them, except that his eyes grew wide as saucers. Other than that, he looked as if he had been turned to stone. This made Wolf even more scared than if the Dwarf had screamed and run around in circles at the news.
So, can you help? Virginia asked impatiently.
The Dwarf didn't answer, or even seem to hear or see her at all. His expression was blank as he took a small Mirror out of his pocket. The four speechless persons on the other side of the Mirror watched him silently take the little Spying Mirror in his left hand. His other hand he pressed onto the Mirror's surface. Instantly his hand was enveloped in a slimy- looking coating of liquid. Just as quickly, the Governor pulled his hand out. What was left was a mold of his palm.
Wolf was completely confused. Had the Dwarf heard what they had said? What did he think he was doing , and how could it possibly help?
The Governor took the impression of his tiny hand and walked over to another, full- length Mirror. The Spying Mirror followed his movements. Wolf could see the mold clearly now. As he watched the Dwarf step up to the larger mirror, something clicked in Wolf's mind.
Of course! Every educated person in the Nine Kingdoms knew what this meant. Why hadn't he seen it before? He snapped his head over to look at Wendell. He was standing stock still, looking like he had seen a ghost. Wolf understood; this was worse than ghosts. Virginia and Tony just looked confused.
Excuse me, what is going on? Tony inquired.
Fear swept through Wolf's mind. This was ten times more serious than he'd thought, and it was just about to get worse.
The Governor looked like he was really going to regret what he was about to do as he held the impression at arm's length up to the mirror. He looked up at the four worried faces, some more worried than others.
I'm very sorry, he whispered. Please come quickly.
The Dwarf pushed his hand through the mirror, and the world ripped apart.
***
It was literally as loud as it gets. Every atom stood still, held by that noise. It was the most high-pitched, ear-splitting, earth-shattering sound that was ever heard.
It only lasted for a second, but everyone in the Nine Kingdoms was deafened by it for an hour. Virginia was literally slammed against the wall when the noise hit. She had no idea what had happened when she woke up later, but she figured she must have passed out. The last thing she remembered, it had been nighttime, and the crazy Dwarf had caused that unnatural sound. Now it was early morning, and everyone else around her was unconscious.
Virginia got up and walked over to Wendell, who was closest. Only when she tried to wake him up did she realize that she couldn't hear herself. She put a hand to her throat in a panic, then realized she would probably be like this for a while. She wondered where that unearthly noise had come from. She couldn't imagine what device could possess the power to create any sound of that amazing volume.
She reached over and shook Wolf until he woke up, then mouthed to him, What happened? He didn't answer (he couldn't anyway), but instead looked around the room as if he had never seen any of it before. Then he seemed to remember something, and lay back down with a silent groan and thump.
Virginia shrugged and tried again to wake Wendell, then Tony. As soon as he opened his eyes, Tony sprang up and ran over to the Spying mirror. He tried to use its secret catch to start it up, but it didn't work.
Tony tried to say something, then silently cursed when he couldn't. Instead he jabbed his finger at the Mirror and looked at Wendell and Wolf.
Wendell, holding his head, which seemed to be paining him, took a piece of paper and a quill pen from a nearby table. He wrote something, then showed it to Virginia and Tony, his hands shaking - The mirrors don't work .
That obviously was not good. Virginia's mind overflowed with questions, but Tony grabbed the paper first. Did I forget to say please?
Wolf got up and took the paper. No , he scribbled. He shut down the mirrors.
What was that sound? Virginia snatched the paper and wrote.
Wolf sighed. It was the sound of all the mirrors in the Nine Kingdoms being shut down!
Why?! This made no sense.
This time Wendell took the paper. You know about the other Traveling Mirror? Virginia searched her memory and saw Gustav, the Mirror in the Dwarf mine, telling them about a mirror with barnacles upon its head.
The one at the bottom of the Great Northern Sea?
Wendell nodded mysteriously and didn't write anything more. Virginia was tired of not having a clue as to what was going on. What are you talking about?! she yelled in frustration. She was quite surprised and happy to find that she could almost hear herself, although not very well.
Wolf and Wendell didn't seem all that ecstatic at finding they could talk. In fact, they were just sitting, staring into space in a state of shock.
Virginia decided to wake them up. What do all these stupid Mirrors have to do with Patrick? she screamed at the top of her lungs so as to be heard.
Wolf got up and went over to the bookcase that the Traveling Mirror was leaning against. He scanned the shelves, running his finger over the spines of the dusty books. He stopped at a huge volume and hefted it off the shelf and onto a table. It was an enormous book, titled, Magic Mirrors: An Extensive Guide to Care, Usage, and History.
Tony gave the book a hostile glare. He was about to ask, How is this going to help?, but Virginia held him back. She could tell there was some point to this.
Wolf looked at them but didn't open the book yet. Instead he took a deep breath and said loudly, The Mirror at the bottom of the Great Northern Sea did not fall in. It was thrown, with very, very good reason. He scratched at his forehead absently, like he was arguing with himself. I don't know why I didn't see it before, it turned white, it was all right there....
Virginia gave him a look that said, quite seriously, Just tell us what is going on, now.
Wolf started flipping through the pages of the massive book, and finally found what he was looking for. Virginia, Tony, and Wendell leaned over his shoulder to read what he was pointing at.
CHAPTER THREE
The Dwarves of Dragon Mountain are the only known makers of magic Traveling Mirrors in the Kingdoms. In all history, only three Traveling Mirrors have been made. The first two lead to a mystical land that some call Man Hat In. Several expeditions have been made to this magical place, and the explorers have never been discovered by the citizens there.
Virginia looked up at Wolf.
You never told me that.
Keep reading.
The book went on to describe, from a twisted point of view, New York culture. Then it came to what Virginia guessed Wolf had been referring to.
The third Traveling Mirror made by the Dwarves turned out to be a very serious mistake. The Dwarves had decided to try a different way of creating it; using the original recipe', but making a few small changes. These changes included, among several others- adding more quicksilver, the active ingredient in all magic Mirrors; using magic rain water instead of magic spring water; making the frame out of unicorn horn instead of the traditional Nethacon wood; and they also left it in the mold for a full year longer, 11 years instead of ten. The purpose of these changes was to perhaps cause the mirror to lead to a different dimension, if one existed.
Apparently one does. When the Mirror was pulled out of the mold, instead of the magic buildings of Man Hat In, the Mirror's surface showed only whiteness. The Dwarves concluded that it was not working, but also decided that it was worth a try to travel in it. So a courageous Dwarf volunteered, stepped through the Mirror, and was never seen again. Other brave Dwarves, Elves, Fairies, and Humans, about twenty in all, attempted to enter the White Mirror, as came to be known, over the next few years. None returned. Eventually the mission was aborted, and the Mirror was hidden away.
This was not the last to be seen of it, however. Five years later, directly after the Great Storm of 1774, young Prince Luke was speaking with his Uncle using a Spying Mirror. Suddenly, according to guards in the room at the time, the Mirror's surface turned white and the prince was swallowed into it, never to be heard from again. This horrifying event was only the first of many, happening over the next nine years.
After the thirty-fourth disappearing, pressure was put on the Dwarf nation to use the master switch. This is actually a secret sign which consists of a selected Dwarf, whose fingerprints are on record, making a mold of his hand. This mold he would force through the Message Mirror, a Mirror designed specifically for that purpose. This procedure would be a signal for all magic Mirrors to be shut down by creating a very loud sound, which would, in a sense, shock' the Mirrors into an unconscious' state. The Mirrors are unusable only temporarily, one week exactly.
The Dwarves decided that this course of action was necessary, to make time for any glitches in the system to be worked out. During this one week's time, now known as the Dark Period, (for communication is, of course, very difficult without Mirrors) the Dwarves also decided to take care of the White Mirror for good. It was obviously causing all the trouble, although how is still unknown. They uncovered it from its hiding spot, disabled it, and threw it into the Great Northern Sea. It has never interfered with any Mirrors again.
Until now.
Virginia's head was spinning. It was all too much, too quickly. She remembered vividly now, seeing that momentary whiteness just before she lost Patrick. It was the White Mirror. And no one who went through the White Mirror ever returned.
A pensive silence covered the room.
Why didn't it take Virginia, too? Tony asked. Virginia could hear him perfectly now, but she didn't even care.
It must have entered that particular Mirror right after she went through it, but Patrick was still inside. Anyway, that doesn't matter, Wolf said, his voice very tired. We need to go to Dragon Mountain.
Tony stammered. Why? What's there?
The Governor said to come quickly, Wendell explained to him patiently. We need to go to discuss this matter. It's very serious business and we cannot simply go rushing into an adventure like we did the last time. He said with disgust. I'll arrange for a carriage and we'll depart immediately. Wendell strolled out of the room, hiding very well the panic Virginia knew must be there.
I liked him better when he was a dog, Wolf muttered.
Um, maybe I'll just stay here, Tony suggested loudly.
Wolf asked.
Well, uh, me and mirrors, you know, I think I'm quite notorious back there....
Dad, that was a long time ago. Besides, we're the ones who saved the Nine Kingdoms, remember? They forgave you, Virginia told him.
Yeah, well, I'm also the one who broke one of the magic Traveling Mirrors, remember that ? Not to mention I knocked over those-
Come on, Tony, what's the worst that could happen?
I don't want to think about it.
The Dwarves' grudges are not the worst of our problems, Virginia interrupted.
There was a faint rumbling under their feet, and then the entire castle seemed to jump. Virginia and Wolf both looked at Tony.
Right. Well, I'll just go check on the building process before we leave then. Tony eagerly hurried out the door.
Virginia frowned as she watched him leave. What will we be able to do when we get to Dragon Mountain? she asked Wolf fearfully. This is more than serious, isn't it?
Wolf admitted, But that doesn't matter. We'll find him.
He's just a baby, you know, Virginia whispered, her bottled up emotions finally rising. She leaned into Wolf, and he put his arms around her.
We'll find him, Wolf repeated, steadfast.
Would they find him in time?
CHAPTER FOUR
Are we there yet? whined Tony from his seat up by the driver.
Dad. I'm not going to tell you again. IShut. Up./I Virginia growled between gritted teeth.
Excuse me? Who is the father and who is the daughter here?
And who is the King who can have the manservant thrown into the mud? Wendell said dryly. Virginia got the impression he wasn't joking.
Can we open a few windows? Wolf asked, exasperated. We have to take a hundred mile trip in one of these stuffy carriages, just when I was getting used to those cars.
exclaimed Wendell suddenly, ignoring Wolf. I just remembered. This is very important, everyone listen closely.
Tony swerved around in the driver's seat, and Virginia and Wolf leaned forward.
We will be passing through the Sixth Kingdom on our way to the Ninth, Wendell said. In the Sixth Kingdom there is a sort of sub- kingdom.
Oh, no, Wolf groaned. He knew all too well what Wendell was talking about.
This kingdom, continued Wendell, belongs to Pinocchio.
Virginia raised an eyebrow. She hadn't heard this before.
The only thing you must remember about Pinochio's kingdom is that while you are in it you must not tell a lie.
Gee, I wonder why that is, laughed Tony.
After Pinocchio the First became a human, he devoted his life to making puppets. But the Fairy and the cricket wouldn't have another bunch of naughty little puppet boys running around, so they gave them the same long-nose-if-you-tell-a-lie treatment that they gave Pinocchio. And then they figured, while we're at it, why don't we make the whole little kingdom full of people who never lie? So that's what they did, and now whenever you are within the borders of Pinochio's kingdom, you can't tell a lie. If you do, your nose will grow two inches every time. As you may have guessed, Pinochio's kingdom is sparsely populated, and those who do live there have unusually long noses. Wendell finished his history lesson and laid his head back against the satin pillows.
Virginia was stunned. The Nine kingdoms never failed to amaze her.
Wait a second, Tony said, How long does this nose thing last?
Wolf answered him. There is some cure the trolls came up with (they'd need it), but you'd have to ask them for it. He laughed. Maybe you should just tape your mouth shut, Tony.
Oh, really? Well-
Entering Pinochio's kingdom now, your majesty, the driver announced.
Maybe Wolf is right. Let's all just be quiet for a while, Wendell suggested. Virginia nodded. Tony glared at Wolf, who just snickered.
Virginia pulled back the curtains covering her window. Outside, she saw farmers working in their fields. They stood up to watch the royal carriage roll by. Everything about this place seemed normal except that, as Wendell had mentioned, all the people had extremely long noses. She saw one man's nose that looked to be almost three feet long. It was kind of funny. Virginia wondered why these people didn't move away before their noses got too big for them to turn around.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the carriage wheels screeching to a halt. Everyone peeked out their windows to see a group of long-nosed villagers bowing to Wendell.
Excuse us, your majesty, one of them ventured, expressing the concern on all their faces, But would you be kind enough to tell us why our mirrors aren't working?
The question surprised Virginia. She hadn't realized that just anyone could own a magic Mirror, but apparently this was the case.
Wendell hesitated. If he told them that the White Mirror had awakened again it would cause a panic, and he didn't want that. But these peasants did not seem to have any intentions of leaving without an answer.
The Mirrors, he began, his eyes straying to his companions for guidance. They all just shrugged. Well, I don't really know, but I assure you that - what?
Wendell froze. Everyone was staring at him open-mouthed. It made him feel extremely nervous.
What is it? he demanded.
Wolf shook his head in disbelief. And I was so sure it was going to be Tony.
Wendell's eyes widened. He ever so slowly brought his hand up to his face. His hand touched his nose much too soon.
Ahh! That's not fair! he said. I was going to tell them - um, sort of. I don't know' was just a figure of speech...or...something... He cursed. This was so mortifying! It was almost as bad as being a dog. In fact, this was worse because it was his fault and not his evil stepmother's.
Everybody was looking at him, half sympathetically and half like they were about to break up into uncontrollable snickers. Wendell wished the carriage seat would swallow him up.
Oh, stop it, he thought to himself. He was a king after all. Just pretend nothing's happened. What are you all staring at? he demanded, a little more angrily than he had intended. We must get to Dragon Mountain. And you, he said, addressing the peasants, Don't worry about the Mirrors. They'll be on again soon.
Yes, sir, they mumbled and went back to their farm work still as confused as ever, but now with barely-contained grins.
Virginia, Wolf, and Tony each took deep breaths to keep themselves from bursting out laughing. Wendell glared at them venomously.
Drive on! he ordered, and the carriage immediately lurched onto the road and they were on their way once again. Wendell quickly pulled the curtains across all the windows. The last thing he needed was any other royalty seeing him like this.
***
Wolf watched the sun set over the Great Southern Sea. It was very beautiful, with all the oranges and pinks painted on the sky in a silently gorgeous symphony. And, to top it all off, it wasn't raining like it had been for so long in New York. Although nothing was the same with Patrick gone, he enjoyed the sunset. And every time he glanced over at Wendell, Wolf could hardly contain tears of laughter.
Tony was snoring, propped up by the handrail in his seat by the driver. Virginia was also sleeping, leaning against Wolf's shoulder. The King was staring into space, obviously extremely humiliated by his three-inch nose. He looked like he was wishing it away with all the power of his being. Wolf swallowed his laughter and whispered to him, Shouldn't we stop for the night? It's getting dark.
Wendell turned his face away from Wolf as he answered, Yes, of course. Where are we exactly?
The Southern Sea beach road, Wolf said, consulting a map laid out on the opposite seat. Well away from Pinocchio.
Thank God.
Oh, look! said Wolf, pointing suddenly to a spot on the map and nearly waking Virginia, We're only a mile away from Cinderella's palace. I've never been there before.
Wendell declared, We'll stay at Cindy's place for the night. Then his face twisted into an expression of complete embarrassment. On second thought, perhaps we'd better not....
Oh, Wendell, Cinderella is one of the Five Women Who Changed History, said Wolf, exasperated. And she's 201 years old. She's been around enough to know that that stupid Pinocchio curse could happen to anyone. And more importantly, I'm not sleeping in this carriage.
But you have no idea how humiliating this is! Wendell pointed at his nose, not wanting to touch it. It was kind of revolting, Wolf thought, trying so hard not to laugh.
I would think being a dog is as humiliating as it gets, Wolf answered, not hiding his disgust for dogs.
Wendell sighed. I'd have to agree with you there, but I'm certainly not enjoying this. He gestured toward his nose again.
Wolf tried to look sympathetic, but it came out as a snort. Wendell narrowed his eyes at him, but looked out the window. Wolf did also.
A little ways in the distance, they could see a large castle. It was not quite as big as Wendell's, which he had inherited from Snow White, but it was still very impressive. The towers and turrets were edged in blue, and the huge clock that was centered in the middle of the highest tower was just about to strike seven o'clock. Cinderella's palace was a famous place. It was the same one where Cinderella had gone to her first ball, the one where she had lost her glass slipper and met her prince. In the twilight, the palace looked eerie and welcoming at the same time.
Wolf shook Virginia gently to wake her up and poked Tony not-so-gently in the back.
Tony said groggily.
We're about to arrive at Cinderella's palace where we will be staying the night, Wolf explained, looking pointedly at Wendell, who just shrugged.
Cinderella's castle? Virginia repeated in wonderment. You mean where Cinderella actually lives?
That's the one, Wendell said dryly without looking at her. He was still staring dismally up at the castle, his head propped up with his hand.
Virginia murmured, leaning out the window to get a better look.
They were just arriving at the gates. The driver stopped the carriage, parking between two coaches that bore a striking resemblance to pumpkins. Wolf opened the door and helped Virginia out. His legs felt like water after so many hours of sitting. He was tired and hungry, just as everyone else obviously was. He hoped the initial greetings didn't last too long.
Wendell strode up to the oversized doors, recessed in the towering walls of the castle, and banged the knocker twice. After a minute, one of the doors started to creak open.
Queen Cinderella herself stood inside, flanked by two handmaidens. She wore an elegant dress that cascaded down to the floor in folds of shimmering orange, along with a crown on her head studded with priceless gems. Her face was creased with many wrinkles, mostly smile lines, but they seemed to compliment her naturally instead of being simply a sign of her very old age. And in her eyes was still the vitality of youth that her two hundred years could not steal from her. Joyfully, Cinderella's lips broke into a huge smile when she saw Wendell and the others. she exclaimed happily, and started walking towards them with her arms open. She faltered when she saw Wendell. His face was scarlet and his head was down, hiding his nose. Cinderella's momentary flicker of confusion vanished and she politely said nothing about it. Her smile disappeared, however, and she continued to welcome them.
Do come in! What a pleasant surprise! What brings you here on such little notice? You look exhausted! Just have your driver put the horses in the stable, that's it, love. Come, come, you must stay here tonight, I'll have the feast prepared right away! She herded them inside like baby birds under wings, and they lacked the energy to refuse anything she offered them.
CHAPTER FIVE
Fifteen minutes later, they were all sitting down in Cinderella's banquet hall at a huge banquet table, of which the five of them took up about one- tenth. Before them was a feast of more different kinds of foods than Virginia could ever hope to even try in one meal. Unfortunately, she wasn't hungry. In fact, Wolf was the only one who was really eating, after they had talked about nothing in particular for a few minutes.
Cinderella said, addressing them all, You must tell me what brings you here. I have the feeling it's not just to visit.
Virginia shook her head. We actually have very bad news. She paused and took a deep breath, and attempt at keeping her voice from cracking. Patrick is gone.
Cinderella put a hand to her mouth in shock, and obviously had no idea what to say. Virginia continued in a voice that, despite her efforts, shook like a leaf in the wind.
When we were coming through the Traveling Mirror, Patrick and I were last to enter. I was holding him, like usual, and then suddenly all I saw or felt was whiteness, all around me. When I went through the Mirror illusion, it wasn't an illusion any more. The room was deathly silent. Tony, Wendell, and Wolf were listening as if they'd never heard the story before. Virginia continued.
When I looked back, Patrick was stuck in the Mirror. Then he disappeared. And, she whispered, we know it was the White Mirror because it turned white. That's why all the Mirrors were shut down.
There was a deep silence for a time. Cinderella nodded to herself, as if all the pieces were coming together in her mind. Finally she stood. Looking at Wendell, then the others, she slowly beckoned with her hand a shadowy figure lurking in a corner that Virginia had not noticed before.
When the figure emerged from the darkness, Virginia perceived a beautiful young girl. Her skin was white as snow, and she reminded Virginia of Snow White, but in a very different way. The young woman wore a light blue dress that caught the rays of light, bent them fluently, and sent them glancing off in white brilliance to all corners of vision. The gown billowed out behind her like a radiant cloud. In fact, the girl herself seemed to float on a cloud. She walked so lightly and silently that she seemed to glide. Her dark hair was curled and hung loosely around her shoulders. As she reached Cinderella's side and stood there obediently, Virginia was not sure what to think of her. Wendell's mouth dropped open.
This is Acrotis, Cinderella told her friends. She is my special expert on magic, dwarf-wrought Mirrors. Perhaps she will be able to help you.
Virginia looked at Acrotis expectantly. The girl did not seem to like all the attention. She looked up at Cinderella pleadingly.
Oh, Acrotis, come on. You know a lot about Mirrors. In fact, you know most about Traveling Mirrors than any other kind, don't you? Cinderella asked, encouraging her.
The young woman glanced at her audience nervously, and decided to speak.
she said. Her voice was high and lovely, but actually had a certain edge to it. I do know much about Traveling Mirrors. They are the ones about which least is generally known, however. Of all Dwarfish Mirrors ever wrought, the White Mirror is the most dangerous. It is made of unicorn horn and the -
We know the facts, Tony interrupted. We'd like to learn how to get my grandson back.
Acrotis's expression changed from calmness to annoyance to anger and back to calmness in a split second as Tony spoke. She cleared her throat and continued.
As much as I would love to help with that, I'm afraid there's really nothing I can do.
Cinderella considered her, frowning.
Acrotis cringed, and the motion transformed her eyes into delicate half-moons.
Of course, you were a witness to one of the last disappearings, Cinderella said pointedly. Virginia raised an eyebrow. Not many people can say that. You know more about this than anyone else here. This is important, girl, more so than any one of us can imagine right now. If that Mirror starts abducting people again, who knows how many will die this time? Acrotis, Cinderella ordered, suddenly with fire in her eyes, tell us what you know.
Suddenly a bright bolt of lightning followed almost momentarily by an extremely loud thunder clap caused everyone in the room to jump up and look outside. The night was suddenly silver with rain that poured in through the open window and onto the polished ballroom floor. Cinderella quickly had her guards close and lock the windows. Everyone sat down again and listened to her apologizing, as if this sudden outburst of the heavens were some fault of her own.
I haven't an idea where that came from. It's been raining for the last few nights, perhaps even a week, and just stopped a couple of days ago. It's never been quite that bad yet, but this'll be over soon too I'll wager, no need to worry....
Acrotis hadn't moved. She didn't seem to have been at all surprised by the thunder that could have rivaled the awful scream of the Mirrors shutting down. She was simply staring into space, her hands clenching and unclenching at her sides, a very angry expression on her face. When she noticed everyone staring at her, Acrotis took a slow breath, relaxed her posture, and brushed a strand of hair out of her face.
Wolf had to prompt her after a few seconds.
Oh, of course, excuse me. I suppose I could take an educated guess at how to retrieve your son, Acrotis said reluctantly, her voice not quite so sing -songy as before. The best move to make now would be to get to the Mirror.
The White Mirror? Virginia questioned, not understanding how this would help at all.
Acrotis said, more to herself than anybody else. Then a slow grin spread across her face. Yes. Get to the Mirror and go through it! Acrotis seemed to think this was the most brilliant idea since Spying Mirrors. Virginia, on the other hand, wasn't enjoying this girl wasting her time.
she scoffed. Go through the Mirror that no one has ever returned from alive, or dead for that matter, and just hope, really hard, that we'll be able to get back. Is that what we're saying here?
Acrotis's voice was cold. Do you want to get your son back? she asked.
Of course I want to get my son back! Virginia yelled with sudden anger. But how is getting ourselves killed going to help?
Acrotis put her hands flat on the table and leaned closer to Virginia. Her voice was soft and menacing. Virginia wondered what had happened to the shy girl who had floated into the room a moment ago.
The White Mirror's essence entered one of those Mirrors you were passing through with your son in the Traveling Mirror, correct? Acrotis asked.
That's what everyone tells me, Virginia answered with just as much menace.
And when you enter a Traveling Mirror you enter the world it contains, no?
Virginia nodded, frowning.
Therefore, your son is in the dimension that the White Mirror contains, and that is where you will find him. And the only way to enter that dimension is to enter the Mirror.
Wolf was not at all satisfied. Okay, but that doesn't tell us how we're supposed to get out once we've gotten in. And how do you even know if there is anything beyond? Our Mirror shows us New York on it's surface, the Whiter Mirror only shows white.
Not to mention that it's at the bottom of the ocean, Tony muttered.
Acrotis turned to Wolf. There is a world beyond. It is not possible to go through a Mirror unless there is something to get to. It is a basic law of Mirrors. And perhaps it only shows white because the land beyond it is white.
Cinderella answered Tony's question. Magic breathing rings will allow you to swim to the ocean bottom by providing water and energy. I have none of those here, but the Sea People do. I'm sure they will lend you some. If this is really what you want to do, she added quickly, glancing at Acrotis.
Virginia sighed deeply and turned to Wolf and Tony with sadness in her eyes. Did they really have a choice? It didn't sound as if there was any other way to reach Patrick. Virginia would do anything to get her son back, but this? This was trusting everything to a girl they had never met before, who lost her temper easily and didn't seem too happy to help them. Who Cinderella trusted.
Tony and Wolf simply nodded. Virginia turned to Cinderella.
Yes. We'll go.
Cinderella smiled sympathetically. I think it is a good idea.
Wendell piped up. Perhaps Acrotis should joins us, since she knows more about the subject than any of us. She may be of help.
Virginia wasn't so sure about that, but she said nothing.
Yes, I will be able to reactivate the Mirror once we reach it, Acrotis said happily, obviously glad she was able to go. Also, I can help when we enter the White Mirror.
How could she possibly help? Virginia wondered. But then again, she did know a lot about Mirrors. Maybe she just needed a chance.
And now, Cinderella said loudly, clapping her hands, We must all get some rest. It is very late and you all have a long day ahead of you. I suppose you will stop at Dragon Mountain before heading on towards the Sea? It is a very long way to the Great Northern Sea, you know.
They all nodded. Yes, it was a very long way. And when they got there it would be the beginning of their journey.