Trask's intuition about the dragons flushing them out was right. The dragon had come out of nowhere. Knox had been judging a marshmallow eating contest. Warren against the satyrs. They had been on the final round. Warren against Doren 60 marshmallows 1 minute. When the dragon had come out of the trees and started lighting fire to everything. Knox was suddenly petrified, so were Warren and the satyrs! Knox's mind wheeled, none of them could move they were all going to die! Know could now bearly see, there was fire and smoke everywhere the heat was uncomfortable. He was getting really light headed when suddenly he could move! He heard Warren shouting for him."Knox, Newel, Doren follow my voice! The dragon was a hit and run attack! There might be more, we are fleeing to the fairy queens shrine!" Knox followed Warren's voice when suddenly there was a hand on his arm. Knox whipped around to find Bracken and Warren.
"This way," Bracken said and without another word, he started running in the direction that was supposedly the shrine. Knox ran as fast as he could, occasionally, stumbling on stray stones and clumps of dirt. The smoke abruptly lightened, Knox could see a small island with a waterfall. Intimidating stone statues were everywhere. Knox expected them to leap at him but they stayed still never moving. He spotted Kendra near the waterfall talking to a fairy. He decided to go see if Kendra knew what they were doing next.
"Hi Kendra," Knox said nonchalantly trying to sound casual and not scared at all.
"Knox you made it! Have you seen Tess or Bracken I have been so worried." Kendra's anxiety was in her voice and on her face.
"I saw Bracken he's fine. He was helping the others get out of there. Where were you?" Knox asked, Kendra had disappeared not long before the dragon showed up and had taken Bracken with her. Knox assumed, that she had been on a date with Bracken.
"I was talking to the fairy queen she is going to let us cross over to her shrine at Fablehaven," Kendra answered. That was not what Knox had expected. Suddenly a piercing screech echoed across the grounds Knox looked up to see a creature breaking through the smoke. It had the front of an eagle and the back half of a lion.
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Kendra was stunned when Tempest flew out from the smoke. How? Wait, the canoe! Tempest must have come through then carried it to safety. Wait who was on the griffons back? As the griffin landed in the clearing, Mara smoothly dismounted and took the canoe from the griffin's claws. Her dark eyes where unreadable.
"Explain everything, now." Mara's tone was indecipherable her voice was husky and raged, her face was unreadable, though her posture was battle-ready. Kendra explained about the dragon, their plan to jump from shrine to shrine, and how the canoe connected to Wyrmroost. Then, Mara started to tell her side of the story "I learned about the canoe this morning, when the fire started I sent Tess through the other side. Then I went in myself grabbed the griffin, Tempest, Thronis called her. I came back and had her fly us to safety. Is everyone accounted for?"
Kendra stared stunned for a second other than this being the most words Mara had ever said to her. What she had just done was crazy!
"We have Warren, Knox, Newel, Doren, you and Tess so far," Kendra answered. Mara looked worried but said nothing. Kendra looked over to Knox who was still eyeing the griffin tentatively then he started to talk.
"You did all of that in like five minutes. Are you ok? Arent, you badly injured?" Knox blurted clearly confused and also worried.
"Sometimes in great peril you just have endure the pain " Mara answered her breathing ragged, her arm clamped around her stomach where her injury was. Suddenly Bracken burst into the clearing with Tanu and Vanessa, and Uma.
"Bracken!" Kendra yelled as she ran towards him catching him in a tight embrace. Knowing full well he would have to run back into the smoke for the others.
"I need to go back Kendra. Trask and Savani are still in there same with Mara and Tess." Bracken said tenderly to her eyes full of concern.
"Mara is here and Tess is at Wyrmroost." Bracken's eyes lit up, he looked around to confirm Kendra's words when his eyes landed on Mara and the canoe he smiled.
"I have to go, Kendra, hopefully, I'll be back soon." He let go of Kendra who was still clinging tightly and ran back into the smoke. Kendra turned to see Warren running towards Vanessa the moment he reached her, he swept her off her feet and kissed her on the cheek. Warren put Vanessa down and was embracing her tightly. Kendra heard bits of words such as
"I was so worried."
"It's ok I am only slightly singed." "I love you." Kendra smiled, she knew Warren and Vanessa liked each other a lot but seeing it like this was different. Kendra looked to Tanu who was watching with a smile, Uma did not say a word but had a sly grin, Knox looked disgusted, Mara was expressionless.
Bracken chose a good time to burst into the clearing with Savani and Trask. Warren and Vanessa let go of each other so fast Kendra doubted the others had seen them.
"All right gather around we are about to cross to the fairy realm, everyone please gather near the waterfall. Savani and Uma you are welcome to join us." Bracken declared. Kendra started walking towards the waterfall. She realized that Mara was missing, then she realized that she had probably gone to go get Tess. Kendra smiled at that thought of Tess meeting the fairy queen. Mara returned a minute later with a bubbling and smiling Tess who could not stop talking about meeting the fairy queen. Bracken took them through the waterfall in groups of two Kendra went in first with Tess. The moment she passed through the water there was a flash, and Kendra was standing in the fairy realm, and there stood the fairy queen and King. Kendra suddenly realized she should probably bow before two of the most powerful monarchs in the world, she sank to her knees Tess saw what she had done and mimicked her. Out the corner of her eye, Kendra saw Mara and Trask appear. Both sank to their knees so fast it almost looked like they came in crawling. Kendra saw Warren and Vanessa, Newel and Doren, Tanu and Knox, all of whom sank to their knees, then Bracken who led Tempest. Kendra noticed that Savani and Uma had stayed behind.
"Rise." The fairy queen said her voice warm and welcoming. Bracken walked over and embraced his mother and father. Then Tess came flying out of nowhere and hugged the fairy queen, her arms wrapping tightly around the fairy queen. Tess's head only came up to the queen's stomach. So Tess was fiercely embracing the queen's waist. The fairy king looked like he was about to die from laughter, Bracken held back a chuckle, The fairy queen looked slightly confused but decided to play along. "Hello, little one, what's your name? And how are you fairy struck?" The queen asked Tess beamed up at the fairy queen.
"Hi I am Tess, I am your biggest fan, and the fairies said they fancied me. That I was a cute novelty." Kendra realized in shock the Tess was speaking perfect Silvian! Tess let go of the fairy queen as she turned to address the group.
"Welcome, I understand you travel with haste, the shrine at Fablehaven is about a two-hour walk but only an hour ride. I suggest that we gather mounts." The fairy queen announced " I also see that you brought a mount of your own. Who here will ride the griffin?" She added looking at Tempest.
"I will your majesty," Mara announced confidently, rising to her feet with some difficulty. The fairy queen nodded
"I assume the satyrs want to run?" The fairy King added speaking for the first time his voice rich and deep with a slight accent. Both satyrs answered affirmatively. "Does anyone want to share a mount?" The fairy king questioned when he received no answers he nodded to Bracken who let out a shrill whistle. Suddenly, a herd of majestic white stags with golden antlers came galloping out of a forest of trees off to the group's left. Warren flinched as the stags came galloping forward. Kendra understood his hesitation, considering that he was gored by similar-looking deer on their first visit to Wyrmroost. Bracken shifted into a unicorn and walked over to Kendra gesturing with his head for her to hop on. Kendra had to accept a hand up from Tanu to get on to the tall unicorn. Kendra saw the fairy king transform into a tall pure white unicorn with a pearly glow, offer a ride to Tess and his wife, both of whom accepted. The fairy queen helped Tess up then boosted herself up behind the small girl. Knox was trying, and failing to mount his deer. He kept making the mistake of grabbing the horns to pull himself up but just ended up jerking the impatient deer's head down. Mara had to intervene when the deer looked ready to stab Knox. Soon, everyone was on their designated mounts. They took off at a quick pace; Instead of walking, Tempest flew low to the ground keeping up with the group with no effort. The satyrs ran alongside them keeping up with ease. Most of the ride passed in silence other than Tess chattering away with the fairy queen. They passed through rolling hills; dense forests; and lush meadows, Kendra's favorite setting was a cristal clear lake with a white, narrow stone bridge with unicorns and fairies chiseled into the dazzling marble. Kendra reckoned that they had been riding for about an hour now. When suddenly the fairy queen called for a stop, all the mounts halted. Kendra looked ahead and saw a large pond up ahead it had a small island in the middle and had a path of smooth stepping stones leading to the island. Kendra assumed this the gateway to Fablehaven. The fairy queen confirmed Kendra's suspicions about 5 seconds later. Every one dismounted except Mara who stayed on Tempest. Which made sense to Kendra. If they were taking the griffin with them why go through the pain of dismounting? The fairy queen explained that once they set foot on the island they would be transported to Fablehaven. The group started toward the island. This time Bracken went first with Mara and Tempest. True to the queen's words the moment Bracken, Mara, and Tempest set foot on the island they disappeared, Kendra saw Tess say goodbye to the fairy queen and king embracing them warmly before hurrying to the island. A few minutes later Kendra went next. The fairy queen had explained that they should wait about five minutes in between teams giving tempest enough time to fly people across the pond. She also warned about the naiads in the lake as well. Then it was Kendra's turn to cross over. The moment her foot touched the island there was a flash, then suddenly she was at the Fablehaven shrine. Kendra saw the tiny fairy statue and the small stream that tricked across the island, Kendra hoped that no one would step on the miniature statue by accident. Tempest stood waiting to fly Kendra across to the other side of the lake. Kendra tentatively hopped on the griffin. Despite Kendra's fear. Tempest flew smoothly over the lake and deposited Kendra on the pier near Bracken, Tess, and Mara. Tess was animatedly talking to a fairy in Silvian. Mara lay on the grass, her breathing shallow and labored her eyes closed. Bracken sat next to her with one of her hands in his, lightly stroking her palm while talking gently. Kendra dismounted Tempest the trotted over to see what was going on.
"Is she ok?" Kendra asked Bracken with concern.
"She won't answer, she is conscious and aware, but it seems she is just tired and in pain, this morning was probably difficult on her, she needs to rest not to be fleeing fire and dragons." Mara gave a weak thumbs-up indicating the truth in bracken's words, though she did not open her eyes. "Well have Tanu examen her and change her bandages when we get to the main house." Bracken rose and turned his gaze to Kendra. "We now have a big advantage over Seth and have more time to plan now that we can reach the Titan Valley shrine in an hour. Which means we can probably rest at the house for a couple of days." Bracken was right! Mabey they weren't hopeless after all! Tanu arrived with Knox shortly after. Tanu took out his bag and started rummaging for something after a few minutes Mara sat up her breathing was less labored. Everyone but the satyrs had crossed over. When Newel and Doren crossed over. Tanu helped Mara unsteadily rise to her feet, he draped one of her arms around his shoulder to give her more support, she made no move to stop him. Tanu helped Mara onto Tempest and Trask hopped up behind her to make sure she would not fall off. Everyone else had the pleasure of walking back to the main house. Vanessa called the Larsons on her phone to let them know that had arrived at Fablehaven and were on their way to the house, and how they had crossed over at the fairy queen's shrine. By the time Vanessa hung up they had reached the backyard of the house. Tanu lifted Mara off Tempest had had Bracken tie the griffin to the back porch. They didn't even have to knock, the door flung open as they mounted the steps and the Grama and Grampa Larsen came running out followed by Dale. Kendra laughed as Knox and Tess were almost suffocated with hugs. But she ceased to laugh when it was her turn for the tide of affection. Kendra saw Warren and Dale embracing fiercely and tousling each other's hair. Tanu took Trask and Mara into the house successfully sneaking past the attention.
"We are so sorry about what happened to Seth. Don't worry we are going to try with all we have to get him back. Grama Larsen whispered in Kandra's ear while embracing her fiercely almost cutting off Kendra's air supply.
" We have something else to address," Grampa announced as he also let go of Kendra. "Your parents are coming back tomorrow. We assumed we would just send Knox and Tess back but with recent developments, I think it is best to keep those who are not trying to stop the end of the world at Fablehaven."
"There is no way I am staying behind," Knox complained, Kendra was ready to go nuts; what was it with him thinking this was all fun and games. He was just like Seth and look where that had gotten him.
"Knox, are you crazy? No have no experience nothing that makes you fit for this mission. And even if you are careful stuff can still happen! Have you ever seen Mara and Trask? That was on half as a dangerous sanctuary and they are some of our best operatives! You don't take this seriously at all! Seth was like this too and how did that turn out?" Kendra tried not to shout but was not doing a good job at it. Knox looked startled. Kendra didn't know if it was her speech or her yelling at him she suspected a bit a both. Vanessa walked over and tenderly embraced Kendra.
"I know this has been hard on you I wish I had been there to help, and I know your cousin can be super stupid. You have thrived against the impossible and I know you can overcome this too. Be strong Kendra, you have lots of good people supporting you remember that. We are going to do whatever it takes to get Seth back." Warren came over and joined Vannesa in embracing Kendra. She felt her anger wash away Vannesa was right, Kendra had to be strong, for Seth she thought.
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"Regarding who is going on the mission all minors will be asking for their guardians' permission." Grama stated with finality. Everyone had gathered in the kitchen for lunch with the exception of Tanu and Mara. The satyrs did not have permission to come in. Grama and Vanessa had whipped up a feast of sandwiches in all sorts of different flavors. There was turkey, tuna, peanut butter, honey and all sorts of other weird combos.
"But Vannesa and Andromadus said I could come." Knox shot back, there was no way he was passing up the opportunity to see cool dragons and giants.
"I don't care what the others said, the final verdict is up to your parents." Grampa Larson said sternly. Knox wanted to argue but he figured he would only make grampa Larson upset. Knox had mixed emotions about seeing his parents again. What would happen now that the fate of the world was looking sketchy, but he couldn't tell his parents anything? Knox looked to Kendra, he had made a point to not talk to her after her freak out earlier. Knox wanted to blame her for spoiling his fun, but if she was right? In Stormgard castle he had gone way over his head. But was this Stormgard castle? No this was a completely different place and time right?
"Sometimes I wish I had never been roped into this," Kendra muttered, this, surprised Knox, his cousin seemed to greatly enjoy the magical world.
"When you stop getting roped into this stuff. I'll marry Vannesa." Bracken teased putting a protective arm around Kendra's shoulder. Knox looked to Vannessa, she wore a sly grin on her face Warren looked like he was going to explode.
"We wanted to save this for after everything settled down, Bracken about the whole marrying thing Warren is going to beat you to it." Vannesa held up her right hand Knox saw a glittering ring on her finger, it was studded with what looked like diamonds, it had silver metal intricately weaved around the diamonds holding them in place. "Warren and I are engaged," Vannesa announced proudly. Kendra and Tess squealed, the Larsons looked shocked. Trask looked confused, Dale and Bracken had the funniest looks. Both of them looked like they had been hit in the face with a brick wall. The commotion brought Tanu running downstairs. He took in the scene Vanessa holding up her ring, Warren with his arm around her, he obviously put two and two together quickly. The first words out of his mouth where.
"Ruth is going to kill you,"
"Well, then we will elope," Vanessa said jokingly, putting her arm around Warren.
"Then we'll send Mara after you once she recovers, you know how good she is at tracking, she was able to track Kendra halfway across Wyrmroost." Trask countered. Warren muttered something that sounded suspiciously like "Dang it"
"When is the wedding?" Kendra asked Knox was curious about that too.
"Once we find Seth and everything settles," Vanessa assured them "and, after getting Stan and Ruth back." Her tone carried some implications." I am also switching things up for our wedding, it is not going to be traditional." Vannesa announced, Warren looked like he was about to protest.
"Switching the subject, how is Mara?" Warren asked turning to Tanu.
"She is asleep, which is why I came down, I was going to ask you to be quiet," Tanu replied,
"Sorry, we'll keep it down," Kendra replied noticeably lowering her voice.
"I was also about to suggest a nap for most of you as well, the past few days have been exhausting and who knows when our next time to rest will be?" Tanu said, Knox figured that Tanu was probably right he had not realized how tired he was until now.
"I think I'll turn in," Knox admitted, climbing the stairs to the attic where he had been staying with Tess. He walked into his room and flopped onto his bed, oblivion swallowed conscious thought.