Eric was dumbfounded. Less of the fact the owl spoke and more of what she asked. He cocked his head in confusion. This owl had long brown feathers and large, familiar eyes that shined like emeralds.
"We've… met before, I think?" He responded finally. The owl merely chuckled warmly.
"Well, I certainly hope so, or else my question would be all the more awkward."
"Your question? About… your niece?" Eric immediately found himself inches away from the two giant green orbs staring into his. As awkward as it was, she didn't appear to be menacing. She returned her head to its normal position and brought one of her wings beneath her beak, pondering something.
"Tell me: what do you remember of Clara's 'world'?" To Eric, it was mostly a blur. Yes, he did meet Clara that night while fighting the Mouse King and his soldiers, but the details were fuzzy.
Eric scratched the back of his neck, "I remember encountering the Mouse King and Clara, but not anything else."
After a moment, the owl then asked, "Do you remember the locket Clara was wearing? It was in the shape of a heart." Eric nodded.
"Try to recall: where did she get it from?" she asked, like a parent working with a child on a problem.
"Well, she was wearing it the whole time she was in Parthenia. So, she must have got it from her world. From…you" He exclaimed as the realization hit. "But that would mean you traveled between worlds. How did you do it? Have you seen Clara? Is she alright?!"
"She…is, but even a prison can be comfortable." She said solemnly. Raising her wing before he could ask more questions, she continued, "Yes, as strange as it sounds, she is trapped. Hard to escape a trap when it consists of your entire world. No, she does not realize it." Eric dropped his hand and gaze.
The small prince began to pace, trying to take in all this news. "How do you know this? How do I know that this isn't another wild goose chase? Like that island?"
"Just because you were not there to witness it, doesn't mean it didn't happen."
"What do you mean, exactly?"
"Clara had to find the courage to rescue you, only then could she awaken to her magic."
Pacing again, Eric tried to line this up with past events, and it did make sense. The fact that Clara stood up to the Mouse King, proceeding to undo all his spells spoke greatly of her bravery.
"Wait, when Clara's true form was revealed, she undid all the Mouse King's magic, but she didn't return to normal size? I remember her being a giant."
The owl laughed mischievously. "Yes, it appears that the Mouse' King's attempt to even the playing field ended up undoing the spell on her; giving her a chance to escape that prison. At least, for a little while."
Eric stamped his foot, "Then he corrected his mistake without realizing it. How did he know about the necklace?" His gaze turned to the owl, but she shook her head. Discouraged, Eric quickened his pace. Even with so many unknowns to this whole situation, it was clear that he needed to act if Clara along with those trapped with her were to be freed.
"Can you send me back? To that world?" The owl nodded but held up one of her wings.
"Last time you didn't get this warning but going back and trying to escape will be a lot more difficult than before. The world will recognize you and will tighten its grip on you."
"But what about you? If this has been going on for so long, surely you've made trips between these two worlds, and you seem fine." She peered down at Eric with her large eyes. The prince suddenly recalled the great size difference between the two of them. Perhaps a better choice of words would have been appreciated.
Raising the staff with her beak, the magic began to flow around them. Shining like gold, it encompassed the throne room and began to take shape like that of a doorway. As it began to set in place, it shifted to a sapphire blue.
"How did you- I mean, you didn't even- the Mouse King-"
"No need for fancy rhymes when you are the creator of such tools." She said winking. The door was ready.
Eric curiously approached it, "So, Clara is on the other side of this door?"
"Yes but remember this: the world will now see you as a threat. It is heavy with illusion and will try everything in its power to make you stay. You must resist its lures. It…will play tricks against you." Eric nodded in understanding.
"How am I to rescue Clara?"
"When one's eyes are opened, the illusions' hold will be greatly diminished. Such power disappears when everyone sees them for what they are." She said tucking in her wings.
With that, Eric faced the doorway and reached out with his hand. It felt thin, like that of fine silk curtains. He turned to look at the mysterious owl.
"I will return with her, with everyone, as soon as I can." He promised. Then, with a step forward, he was gone.
"I'll hold you to it."
