Chapter 5

When Sibuna arrives back at the house, they are greeted by that Vera lady. She says she's the new house mother as Trudy had to leave unexpectedly. The students are all very confused but don't question it. At least not until they find a note at the foot of the stairs. Fabian recognizes it immediately as mirror writing, having already seen it once before. They all gather in the bathroom and hold the paper up to the mirror.

Dear Anubis students,

Trudy will be staying with me for a while. That is, unless I get want I want.

Don't worry though; she'll be perfectly safe as long as you don't slip up.

Sincerely,

The Collector

The Sibunas all gasp when see the signature. The non-Sibunas, Mara, Jerome, and Eddie, on the other hand, are all very confused. "The Collector?" questions Jerome. "Who is that?"

"We're not exactly sure," says Nina, "But we have a general idea."

The students all go upstairs, away from unwelcome ears, and Fabian tells the non-Sibunas everything they know about the Collector, which, frankly, isn't very much. "So Seth's father kidnapped Trudy?" asks Mara.

"I told you guys he was a creep," says Amber. "Maybe next time you'll listen to me."

"Ok now's really not the time Amber," Patricia says, getting aggravated. "Someone's gone missing."

"She's right though," says Alfie. Patricia glares at him so he decides to change the subject. "So what do you think he wants?"

"Probably something for his collection," answers Fabian. "The only problem is we don't know what he collects."

Later that night, almost 10 o'clock to be exact, Alfie and Jerome are on their way to bed as Victor's anxiously waiting to drop his pin. The door to their room is slightly open and the lights are on. Seth must be in there already, the boys think. They're about to enter when they hear voices coming from inside. At first they think Seth, being the freak he is, is talking to himself but then they hear a different voice. A woman's voice. Curious, they stand by the door and listen.

"Why did dad take that lady?" asks Seth.

"I told you, he needs to find the Mask of Anubis. It's the only way he'll be able to complete the elixir," replies the mysterious woman.

"How does he know these kids will be able to get it?"

"Trust me; he knows all about them and what they are capable of. Now you really should get some sleep."

"One more question," protests Seth. "Where is he keeping her?"

"Most likely in one of those sheds he uses for all his hostages," answers the woman as if it's no big deal. "Good night honey."

"Good night mom."

Jerome and Alfie hear footsteps approaching the door from the inside and quickly hide around the corner. From their hiding spot they can just barely see the door to their room but when the woman exits there's no mistaking who she is.

"Vera," the boys whisper simultaneously.