Challenger and William sat across from each other in the train compartment, the rhythmic clatter of the wheels on the tracks filling the silence. Challenger, with a concerned furrow in his brow, finally broke the quiet.

"William, how did you manage to get away from school? Won't they notice you're missing?" he asked, his voice tinged with both curiosity and concern.

William leaned back, a cheeky grin spreading across his face. "Please. At least that was easy. They think I'm traveling with my family, while my family thinks I'm held back at Oxford for a chess tournament. It helps when you're attending the Dragon School and also taking courses at Oxford University. The staff there are used to unusual schedules for students like me."

Challenger shook his head, a mix of admiration and disapproval in his gaze. "I don't like that you are using your intelligence for this kind of mischief. You should be covered in books, trying to uncover the next big thing, solve a puzzle, prove a theory."

William's grin faded into a more thoughtful expression. "The problem is that I know the textbook answers to any question you care to ask. It's not challenging anymore. I'm looking for something more, something real and tangible. Like your adventure in the lost world, and now this little beastie in Scotland. These are the puzzles I want to solve."

Challenger regarded William for a long moment, seeing not just a young boy seeking adventure, but a brilliant mind yearning for challenges beyond the confines of traditional academia. He nodded slowly, understanding the boy's thirst for knowledge that textbooks alone couldn't quench.

Challenger let out a small chuckle, the corners of his eyes crinkling with amusement. "You are very much like your parents. They never cared much for rules either, especially Marguerite."

William's eyes sparkled with a mix of pride and mischief. "I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Mom's stories about their adventures always made following rules seem so... mundane."

"Yes, Marguerite had a way of making the ordinary seem extraordinary," Challenger mused, his mind wandering back to past adventures. "But remember, William, while rules may seem restrictive, they often serve a purpose. It's knowing when to bend them, and for the right reasons, that's the key."

William nodded, absorbing Challenger's words. He then asked, "Do you have any plan for when we get there? I suppose we can't just let it stay in the loch."

Challenger nodded, his expression turning serious. "We are going to open a portal there, the same kind we used to come from the plateau to London. But this time, it's going to connect the underground cave in Scotland with the inland sea on the Plateau. In theory, it sounds straightforward. In practice, it's going to be quite more complicated."

William's eyes widened in amazement. "A portal? Like a gateway through space?"

"Yes, exactly," Challenger continued. "We create a gateway between two points in space, allowing for immediate travel between them. It's based on the same principles we encountered in the lost world. The calibration must be precise, and the energy required is immense. Not to mention the unknowns we might encounter."

William sat back, his mind racing with the possibilities and dangers of such an endeavor. "That sounds risky. And amazing."

Challenger gave a wry smile. "Risk and amazement often go hand in hand in our line of work. Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of the creature. If it stays in the loch, it's only a matter of time before it's discovered, and who knows what could happen then. This way, we can ensure it lives in an environment where it can thrive, away from prying eyes."

As the train rolled on, the gravity of their mission settled over them, mixing with the excitement of the unknown and the allure of scientific discovery.

**Avebury Manor - May Afternoon**

It was a weekend in May, and the Roxton children were scheduled to return from their boarding schools. The household staff was prepared, rooms aired and fresh linens set. The family eagerly anticipated the arrival of the children, ready to welcome them with open arms.

By afternoon, a car pulled up the long driveway. The doors opened, and out stepped Isabelle and Juliette, their faces glowing with the happiness of homecoming.

Marguerite rushed forward to greet them. "My darlings! I've missed you both so much!" she exclaimed, enveloping each of them in a warm embrace.

Marguerite and Isabelle sat in the gardens, enjoying the refreshing afternoon breeze. Nearby, Juliette was on a pony, her laughter echoing as she rode around with a spontaneity that only a carefree spirit like hers could muster. Every so often, she'd lean sideways, attempting acrobatics, causing the pony to whinny in mild protest.

Marguerite watched her youngest, her face a mix of amusement and concern. "Juliette! Do be careful! You might fall!"

"Mummy, you won't believe the drama between Amelia and Sarah," Isabelle began with a hint of mischief in her eyes. "They're not talking to each other anymore, all because of that silly hair ribbon incident."

Marguerite raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? Do tell."

Isabelle leaned in, voice lowered to a whisper, "Amelia accused Sarah of taking her favorite blue ribbon, the one she wears every Wednesday. Sarah denies it, of course, but then Elise saw it in her drawer!"

Marguerite chuckled, "And where does Elise stand in all this?"

Isabelle sighed dramatically, "Elise is trying to stay neutral. But, between you and me, I think she enjoys the attention she's getting from both sides."

Marguerite looked thoughtful for a moment, taking in the school drama. "And what about you?"

Isabelle gave a smug smile, "Well, both Amelia and Sarah have tried to get me on their side as well. Everyone is expecting me to decide who is right and who is wrong."

Marguerite smiled warmly, embracing Isabelle in a tight hug. "I'm quite impressed with how you seem to be managing things. It sounds like you're truly running the show."

After a brief moment, she glanced towards Juliette, who was still reveling in her reckless pony rides. "And what about Juliette? How's she getting along with the girls? Is she involved in any of the school drama?"

Isabelle snorted softly, "Juliette? Oh, she's hardly bothered. Her main concern is getting through the week just so she can come home and ride her pony."

At that moment, John, with a telegram in hand, approached the duo, "Seems William won't be joining us this weekend. He's caught up in a chess tournament at Oxford."

Marguerite sighed, "I wish he had informed us sooner."

Juliette galloped past them on her pony, skillfully leaning to the side in a daring acrobatic move, her laughter echoing through the garden.

Marguerite frowned, concern etched on her face. "Juliette! John, please intervene; she's hardly listening to me."

John, unable to hide a grin of pride at Juliette's impressive riding skills, responded, "Juliette, ease up a bit, will you? Your mother's right; it's a bit too risky."

Juliette gracefully dismounted the pony and approached the trio on the bench, her cheeks flushed from excitement. "Daddy, when will I get a real horse - one that is just my own? I think I'm ready."

John chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from her face, "Your skills have certainly grown, love. But a big horse is a big responsibility. We'll think about it."

With a pout, Juliette hopped onto John's lap effortlessly, her arms wrapped around his neck. She rested her head on his shoulder, her gaze distant and dreamy.

"I just love horses," she murmured, her voice filled with passion. "They are so magnificent. I want to learn everything there is to know about them, not just ride, but also care for them. I wish I could be with horses all the time."

Her fascination with the creatures wasn't just a fleeting phase of childhood; it ran deep. She'd spend hours watching the majestic animals gallop across meadows, feeling an inexplicable connection with them, a bond that reminded John of his younger self.

"I want to be a famous rider." Juliette added, "I should like to race. I wish I could win the Grand National someday."

Isabelle smirked, "That's too bad for you. A girl can't participate."

John, wrapping his arm protectively around Juliette, responded with a knowing smile, "Never underestimate what a determined young woman can achieve. Times change, and who knows, maybe by the time you're old enough, they might just change the rules."

Marguerite's gaze lingered on her younger daughter. She marveled at how the twins, identical in every physical aspect, could possess such starkly contrasting spirits. While Isabelle ruled the roost with her wit and charisma, Juliette was a wild spirit, free and untamed.