Chapter Eight

Granny's eyes almost popped out of her head as she goggled at Daphne. I raised my head from Puck's shoulder. What did Bob want? One minute he's threatening Daphne, the next he's taken the slippers from her and is talking like a butler from an old movie.

If that makes sense to you, you need a shrink. I urge you to seek professional help. ASAP.

Daphne sat up, rubbing her head. "Well, what do we want him to do? I didn't even know he was gonna help us at all."

I frowned. "We still don't," I pointed out. "He hasn't really been trustworthy."

"You can tell us where the King of the Golden Mountain lives," suggested Puck, eager to get this show on the road.

Oh, but I can do so much more than that. I can take you to him. Even the Everafter.

"Does he live outside the barrier, then?" I asked.

Yes. In a place you know well. New York City.

"Oh, good. I missed all the sightseeing last time," Puck said sarcastically.

"You rode a giant green robot through Times Square," I reminded him.

He just shrugged like it was no big deal or anything. I laughed. Maybe Bob had taken the slippers, but he might help us anyway. Wait a minute.

"Why did you contact Daphne before when you can just talk to us like this?" I asked.

This takes far more effort. And I wanted the girl to feel my presence, know that I had the power to help you. I can't stay long in a human mind, though. When I was young and ignorant, I stayed in hosts too long occasionally. There were some very messy deaths.

I nodded. The answer, though disturbing, made sense. I wondered what technically caused the deaths, and then decided not to think about it. I had enough on my mind as it was.

"Well, now is as good a time as any," said Granny.

"Is there anything we should take along?" Daphne asked.

I wasn't sure if she was talking to Bob or us, but it was a good question. Who knew what we might encounter at the Golden Mountain?

You will not require weapons. I will warn you, though, there is a chance the King will ask you to perform a task. He will provide you with anything you may need for that, however, so the only thing you need bring is your wits and your courage.

I almost snorted. This Bob was waaayy too dramatic. Still, I expected we would need our wits and our courage. It was good advice, if a little melodramatic. It was also good to know we might be expected to do a job for the King. Best not to be caught off guard. Although who knows what the task might be?

Are you ready, Grimms? Inquired Bob.

"Yes," everyone said.

Blue Fairy. It has been a long time.

"Yes, it has," said Farrah, speaking for the first time during the conversation with Bob.

Please step away. No need for you to join us.

Farrah stepped back a couple of yards. When she was out of the way, I felt a wind start building around us. MY hair and clothes didn't move at all, but I felt the wind nonetheless. Everyone around me seemed perfectly comfortable with it, but I've always hated magical wind. So. . . unnatural. Wind is an element, right? It's air, basically.

And so a magical wind seems strange. Unsettling. I close my eyes, so I don't have to watch. A minute later, I feel Puck tap my shoulder.

I open my eyes and gaze around. We're in a beautiful place. There's a shimmering on the horizon, far off in the distance, that must be the ocean. I can almost taste the salt in the fresh breeze.

The sun shines bright and golden, the sky is blue with fluffy white clouds, and tall freen grass waves in the breeze.

It's a glorious day here, and the breeze is real, not Bob's magic.

I drink in the beautiful place with my eyes, feeling the sun on my face. I turn around to see what's off to the East, and I see it: The Golden Mountain.

I know it's a bit short, but I really liked this break off point. Plus, I'm going to work on the next chapter some today, so hopefully I'll have that up pretty soon. Sorry my update wasn't up too quickly, but I've been a little under the weather. Thanks for reading!

Peace Love Mangos,

SugahRush