Chapter 6: When Hinges Creak in Doorless Chambers…

Robin hated saying goodbye to Roland as he put him to bed, especially as Roland did not want him to leave. His fear was clear in his eyes and voice as he worried that Robin wouldn't return and he would be left alone. It hurt Robin that he couldn't promise otherwise to his son, knowing it wasn't something he could control. All he could do was tell Roland that he loved him and he would do everything in his power to come home to him and Margot.

At least she was too young to understand what was going on.

The only child he hadn't been able to say goodbye to was Henry. Henry had unexpectedly decided to stay at his grandparents' loft and had been rather cagey when Robin asked to see him before he left. Robin decided Henry was just torn between wanting to get his mother back and not wanting to lose another parental figure. Hopefully they would be able to talk when Robin got back.

John greeted Robin as he approached the small group of Merry Men waiting for him. "Are you ready?" he asked.

"I am," Robin replied. "Thank you for coming with me."

"We wouldn't let you do this by yourself," Alan told him. "We'll take as far as we can, make sure you get there safely at least."

Robin nodded. "That's all I ask."

John turned on his flashlight. "Then we should go. If the book is right and we can only find the house at night, we don't have much time."

"Right," Robin said, turning on his flashlight as well. He motioned to the nearest path. "I think we need to start down here."

"Sounds good," John said. "Let's go."

Alan and Much turned on their flashlights as well. Robin turned toward the path and began walking. He felt the others behind him and knew they would be fine. The woods were their domain, no matter where they lived. He would find Gracey Manor with their help.

They followed the path down a hill and into a little valley. A small creek ran across it and Robin carefully crossed it over some large rocks that broke its flow. He paused, making sure his men made it across as well. Alan and Much used the rocks but John just walked across the creek with a shrug. "I don't mind getting a little wet," he said.

"Alright," Robin replied. "That should be the only water we come across for the rest of the trip so I guess it's not too bad."

"Do we keep going forward?" John asked, motioning to the path still ahead of them.

Alan nodded. "Yes. We're going to be just following this path for a good while. I'll let you know when it's time to leave it."

"Sounds good," Robin replied. "Stay close."

"No problem," John said. "We have no plans to go off on our own."

They continued along the path as a few owls hooted deeper in the woods. Robin knew there were some wolves in the area as well as at least one family of bears but he hoped they would stay away from them. He didn't need that fight tonight.

He just needed to get to Regina.

"There should be a fork coming up," Alan said, now walking close to Robin. "Stop when we get to it."

"Got it," Robin said, watching for the fork. He saw the path diverge up ahead and slowed to a stop. "Which way?"

He stepped back so Alan could step forward. After shining his light down both paths, Alan pointed to the left. "We go this way."

Robin nodded. "We'll follow you."

"Alright," Alan said, moving toward the left path. "Everyone, continue to stay close. We don't want to get lost."

"We also don't know what protections the house may have," Robin added. "Be alert, men."

They walked down the path, leaning back as it sloped downhill. Alan looked over his shoulder at the others. "We're going to lose the path soon but just keep walking straight, okay?"

"We'll follow you," Robin told him. "So you keep walking straight and we'll do the same."

"Yeah, Dale," John replied teasingly. "Don't lead us into a ravine or something."

Alan shot a glare over his shoulder but Robin doubted it would affect John. It was too dark for them to see too far ahead. But he figured Alan was just appeased knowing he did glare at John so he decided not to say anything.

The last thing he needed was for them to start fighting.

Not when they were so close to Regina.

"Watch out for the log," Alan said, pointing ahead of him. He climbed over something and when Robin stepped closer, he saw the long, rotting log lying on the forest floor. Robin also carefully stepped over it, clearing it easily. He waited for John and Tuck to make it over the log before he nodded for Alan to continue.

A cool breeze hit Robin's face and he realized it was the first since they hit the fork in the road. In the darkness, it was hard to see how thick the trees were in this part of the forest but now he could feel it. He hoped the breeze meant they were approaching a clearing and it was the clearing with Gracey Manor.

He didn't have much more time.

"I think I see light ahead," John said. "Or are my eyes just playing tricks on me?"

"No, there's light up ahead," Alan confirmed. "I think we're almost there."

Hope filled Robin. "Good. We'll have plenty of time."

"For what?" John asked.

"For me to get into the house even if it tries to keep me from entering," Robin said. "Everyone needs to stay on guard."

John nodded. "Understood."

"Good," Robin said, hoping they were prepared and that he would be able to make his way to the entrance of the house without losing any of his men.

He couldn't bear to lose someone even if it meant gaining Regina.

They stepped out onto a wide open field. Robin frowned, seeing only grass and a few trees placed across it. His heart skipped a beat before dropping into his stomach. "Where is it?" he asked.

"You sure you brought us to the right place, Dale?" John asked, frowning as he shone his flashlight around the field.

"I am sure," Alan replied. "It's been here the past two nights."

Robin tried not to panic as he worried he was too late. Had his window to rescue Regina already closed? Was she lost to him forever?

Had he failed her again?

"Maybe it's hiding from us," Tuck suggested.

"It's a house," John said. "How does a house hide itself?"

Tuck shrugged. "It's a house that is summoned by death and apparently controlled by a spirit who wants to gather other spirits together and prevent any from leaving. I imagine either he or the house can hide itself if necessary."

Robin nodded, realizing Tuck had a point. "Yes. This is probably some challenge we have to overcome," he said.

"How?" John asked. "How do we get an invisible house to reveal itself?"

"We need to figure it out," Robin said, checking his watch and noting it was already one in the morning. "And fast. We don't have much time."

Alan nodded. "Okay. Where do we start?"

For some reason, Robin recalled crossing the town line to save who he thought was Marian. He had stood there, knowing Regina stood only feet from him and yet was unable to see her due to the spell on the town line. It had rippled when he finished crossing it, the only proof it even existed.

That was how they would find the house.

"Pick up a stick or a rock," he said. "We need to poke the air and see if it ripples like at the town border."

"Right," John said, picking up two sticks. He tossed one to Robin. "Here."

Robin caught it, thanking him. "Spread out. If you find something, give a shout."

Everyone agreed and walked off in different directions. Robin looked forward and saw a tree that seemed familiar from his dream. He walked toward it, constantly poking the air with the stick and hoping it would start to ripple. But nothing happened as he got closer to the tree, making his heart sink more.

The house wasn't here.

Maybe they were in the wrong glen.

Or maybe they were too late.

"Robin!" Tuck called out. "Over here! I think I've found something!"

"You have?" Robin asked, hope filling him as he ran over to where Tuck stood. "Show me, please."

Tuck nodded as John and Alan also gathered around him. He took his stick and poked the air in front of him. It rippled like the air over the town line did when "Marian" and Roland stepped across it. "I think we found it," Tuck said.

Relieved, Robin said: "Yes, I think so."

"Now what?" John asked. "Does Robin just walk forward?"

"I guess we can try that," Robin said, "but I doubt it'll be that easy."

They all stood back and he took a deep breath. Holding it, he took a few steps forward before hitting an invisible wall. All the air flew from his lungs as he fell backwards, landing on his ass while rubbing his chest. "Yeah, just as I thought."

John helped him up, frowning. "So how are you going to get in, mate?"

"Maybe if you take it at a run?" Alan suggested. "Overpower it or something?"

"I guess it couldn't hurt," Robin said, starting to move backwards.

Tuck, though, looked hesitant. "Except it could. You need to be careful, Robin. If you get injured, you can't rescue Regina."

Robin knew he had a point. "I'll remember that but I need to try this. I won't be able to live with the guilt if I don't feel like I did everything possible to rescue her," he said.

"Alright," Tuck said, stepping back. "Good luck."

"You can do this," John told him as Alan nodded. "We believe in you."

Robin hoped that belief would help as he took a deep breath. He began running straight ahead, closing his eyes as he waited to feel an impact. Instead, his skin tingled as if he had walked through a spider's web. Robin opened his eyes and saw Gracey Manor ahead of him. He slowed to a stop before looking back. A feeling of deja vu filled him as he saw Tuck, John and Alan staring at him. He knew they could not see him and hoped they knew he was okay.

But he couldn't waste any time trying to communicate with them. He had to get into Gracey Manor before the sun came up so he continued toward the house, certain they would know he was fine and head back home themselves.

"I'm coming, Regina," he said, walking toward the house. "Just hold on."

He entered a cemetery and a chill swept through him. Robin thought of the cemetery in the Underworld, of seeing his name on one of the stones. The tombstone with Regina's name popped into his memory next and it urged him to move faster, knowing he had to do everything he could to prevent it from becoming a permanent fixture in the Underworld.

And prevent himself from joining her.

Robin glanced at the headstones he passed now, pausing when he realized they all rhymed.

Here lies good old Fred, a great big rock fell on his head

At peaceful rest lies Brother Claude, planted here beneath this sod

Rest in Peace Cousin Huet, we all know you didn't do it

Dear Sweet Leota, beloved by all. In regions beyond now, but having a ball

That last headstone had the relief of a woman on it. As Robin walked past it, he noticed the head followed him. It sent a chill down his back as he tried to tell himself that it was just an optical illusion. He had seen plenty of art that could trick the viewer in many of the manor houses and castles he had robbed over the years.

But given the house was home to almost one thousand ghosts, there was a chance the headstone was really haunted. Maybe Sweet Leota was watching him as he approached the house. Was she going to alert Gracey that he was there?

Or did Gracey already know?

Robin stopped as he came to the last headstone right before the door. As he read its epithet, his blood froze and his heart dropped.

Master Gracey laid to rest. No mourning please, at his request. Farewell.

Was Master Gracey a ghost too?

Or did he just pretend to be one?

Robin wished he really knew what he was about to face. But he had enough of a plan to get Regina and leave with her again. He took a deep breath and prepared to step forward toward the imposing wooden door just a few feet away from him.

He stopped, though, as he realized someone was sitting on the stair right outside the door. Robin's heart sped up as he took in the familiar figure with his black coat, gray and red scarf and backpack.

"About time you showed up," Henry said, grinning. "I've been waiting forever."

"Henry? How did you get here?" Robin asked, confused and angry. "What are you doing here? Why aren't you with your grandparents?"

Henry stood. "I'm tired of staying behind. She's my mom. I want to help rescue her too."

Robin rubbed his forehead. "I know, Henry, but this is dangerous. We may not escape the house."

"I don't care," Henry said, his lip quivering as his voice broke. "We'll at least be together, right?"

"Oh, Henry," Robin sighed, pulling him in for a hug. "But what about the rest of your family? What about Roland and Margot?"

Henry trembled as he held Robin tighter. "I just want my mom."

Robin sighed as he rubbed his back. "I know, my boy. I know."

"Now what?" Henry asked, pulling away as he wiped his nose on his sleeve. "Are you going to send me back?"

"No," Robin said, sighing. He realized it was impractical to send Henry back because then he would have to escort Henry home himself, possibly missing his chance to rescue Regina. As much as he hated putting the boy in danger, he knew he had to bring him.

Henry smiled, looking pleased. "Then we should go inside and save Mom."

Robin nodded. "Let's go."

"So, do you think we just knock?" Henry asked, motioning to the door. "Or do we need to break in?"

"I'm prepared for every possibility," Robin said, patting his back. "Let's see what we need but stay behind me. We don't know what we'll be facing."

Henry nodded. "Alright."

Robin moved closer to the door, staying ahead of Henry. He kept his guard up, ready for anything to happen. Taking a deep breath, he reached for the doorknob and turned it.

The door creaked open.

"Do you think it's a trap?" Henry asked, whispering as he leaned past Robin to study the doorway.

"I don't know," Robin said, reaching for the knife tucked into his belt. "But we should proceed with caution."

Henry nodded. "Okay."

Robin stepped carefully into the room just beyond the door. He looked around it, finding it circular. There was a fireplace in the room though it was covered in dust and spiderwebs. A painting of a regal-looking man hung over the mantel, its eyes boring into Robin just like the relief on Leota's tombstone out in the cemetery.

"Who do you think that is?" Henry asked, whispering.

"I don't know," Robin replied though he had a suspicion it was Master Gracey. "And I'm not sure I want to find out."

As he watched the painting, it began to change. The young man in the picture aged rapidly, his dark hair turning gray then white as his skin grew more and more wrinkly until it disappeared to reveal a skeleton still wearing the man's clothes.

Henry shrank back, leaning closer to Robin. "That's creepy."

"Agreed," Robin said. "It's probably a way to scare people off."

"Yeah," Henry replied. "We're not going to let it scare us off, right?"

Robin nodded. "Right."

As he said that, the front door closed with a bang. Henry jumped and Robin threw his arm across him, ready to defend his stepson if necessary. Nothing appeared and he relaxed a little, lowering his arm but remaining on guard.

Taking a deep breath, he asked: "Now what?"

"Maybe we should check the book?" Henry asked, patting Robin's bag. "You brought it with you, right? I couldn't find it."

"Yes, I brought it," Robin said, not sure if he should be annoyed or proud that Henry had considered swiping the book. He opened his bag and pulled it out, opening it. "Let's see what this Mr. Davis says to do."

He cleared his throat before reading: "When hinges creak in doorless chambers and strange and frightening sounds echo through the halls, that's the time when ghosts are present, practicing their terrors with ghoulish delights."

"That doesn't help," Henry said. "What's next?"

"He said there should be a door that opens on one side of the fireplace," Robin said, reading the book. "He doesn't mention which one or how it opens."

Henry grinned. "Well, it couldn't be that easy, right?"

Robin nodded. "You're right. We do need to figure some things out on our own," he agreed.

"So, you're the thief, where do you think the door is and how do we open it?" Henry asked.

"I'll check the walls," Robin said, placing the book back in his bag. "You check for any hidden levers."

Henry nodded. "Okay."

Before they could step forward, the front door opened again. Robin jumped in front of Henry, ready to protect him from whoever was about to cross the threshold. To his surprise, it was Tink, who held up her hands. "I come in peace," she said.

"Tink," Robin replied, sighing in relief. He then frowned. "What are you doing here? How did you get here?"

"You left before I could give you something to help you find Regina so I came to help you. I think the more there are, the better our odds," she said. "And I do have some residual magic. It helped me track this place down."

The door closed behind her and Robin sighed. "Well, welcome to our little group. It seems the only way to go now is forward."

She nodded, stepping closer to them. "How do we do that?"

"We haven't figured that out yet," Robin said. "All we know is that there's a door by the fireplace but we don't know how to open it."

"We're going to test a few things," Henry added.

She grinned. "Then allow me to help you."

Robin motioned to the fireplace. "Be our guest."

"Ignore the painting," Henry said, scrunching his nose. "It's weird."

"It's enchanted," Tink replied. "And it may provide the clue. Follow his eyes."

Robin frowned. "His eyes? No, they are looking away from the fireplace. The book says the entrance is by it."

Henry tilted his head. "Maybe the book was wrong? Or maybe the eyes move and so does the door?"

"Well, there's three of us," Tink pointed out. "Let's check it out."

"Agreed," Robin said. "Henry and I will focus on the fireplace. You follow the eyes."

She nodded. "Sounds like a plan. First one to find the door, just give a shout."

They agreed and Tink walked over to the far wall. Robin turned to Henry. "So, look for secret levers and I'll feel along the wall for cracks," he said.

"Okay," Henry said, stepping up to the fireplace. As he did that, Robin approached the nearest wall and ran his hand slowly along it, hoping to feel a crack that would indicate the doorway.

Nothing.

He stepped back, sighing. "Find anything, Henry?" he asked.

"No," Henry said, frowning. "I tried pulling everything and nothing."

"Tink? How are you doing?" Robin asked, looking over at the other wall to see if she found anything.

She sighed, shaking her head. "Not well."

He nodded. "Same here."

"We have to be missing something," Henry said, crossing his arms. "But what?"

"Your guess is as good as mine," Robin replied, opening the book. "Let's see if this has any hints."

He looked over the passage again before frowning. "It's something about a poem about a raven and someone named Lenore. Is Lenore a clue?"

Eyes lighting up, Henry grinned. "It's the poem by Edgar Allan Poe. In it, someone keeps knocking. Maybe we need to knock on the wall until we knock on the door and it opens?"

"I think that's a great idea," Robin said, impressed. It certainly made sense that they would have to knock to enter the main part of the house. "Spread out and start knocking."

"I'll take the wall I was just looking at," Tink said, motioning to the side. "I'll let you know if I find a door."

He nodded, confirming he and Henry would do the same. Motioning to one wall, Robin instructed Henry to start knocking while he took the other wall. One of the walls had to have a door and they would find it.

They would rescue Regina.

"What if we never find a door?" Henry asked after knocking over most of the wall. He looked dejected. "What if we can't rescue her?"

"We're not going to think like that," Robin said, doing his best to keep those doubts from creeping into his mind. "We're going to stay positive, okay?"

Henry nodded. "Okay."

They continued knocking with Robin reaching a spot close to the fireplace. He knocked and it echoed around him for the first time. With his heart speeding up, he stepped back and called for Henry and Tink to come by him. They flanked him as the wall slid open to reveal the next room.

"Welcome," a disembodied voice said, booming around the room. "Foolish mortals."

"That's very foreboding," Tink replied. "But I guess we have no choice but to go forward."

Robin nodded, wrapping his arm around Henry. "Let's go."

They walked into the next room and the wall closed behind them. Robin held Henry closer. "I don't like this," he said.

"I know," Tink replied. "But we have no choice."

"Agreed," he said, looking around the circular room and the paintings on the wall. They looked pleasant enough - a young woman with a parasol, a man in a bowler hat with his arms crossed, an older woman holding a rose, and a man holding a piece of paper and the lapel of his jacket. But recalling the aging portrait in the other room, Robin knew there would be more to these paintings as well.

Robin placed his hand on the hilt of his knife, frowning. "Stay close. Nothing is what it seems here," he said.

Tink nodded. "Agreed."

"Um, is it just me or is the room stretching?" Henry asked, a tremble in his voice as he tightened his hold on Robin's arm.

Robin looked up to see the walls growing longer and the paintings starting to reveal new details. The young woman with the parasol stands on a tightrope over crocodile-infested waters. The man in the bowler hat is sitting on the shoulders of another man who is atop a third man sinking into quicksand. The older woman holding a rose sits on her husband's grave which shows his head split open by an axe. And the man holding a piece stands on a barrel of TNT that is about to explode.

It was very unnerving.

"Your cadaverous pallor betrays an aura of foreboding, almost as if you sense a disquieting metamorphosis," the eerie voice said. "Is this haunted room actually stretching? Or is it your imagination?"

"Pretty sure it's stretching," Henry said. "I doubt we're all imagining the same thing."

Tink nodded. "I have to agree. But are the walls going up or is the floor going down?"

"I don't think it really matters," Robin replied. "We have a bigger problem than that."

"Consider this dismaying observation," the ghostly voice continued. "This chamber has no windows and no doors…"

Robin sighed. "Exactly."

The voice chuckled. "Which offers you this chilling challenge - to find a way out!"

"I think I'm now more annoyed than scared," Tink said before the room plunged into darkness. A scream echoed around them and Robin tightened his hold on Henry while Tink latched onto his other arm. "Never mind. Still scared."

The lights came back on and one wall panel was now open. "Oh, I didn't mean to scare you prematurely," the voice said. "The real chills wait inside."

Robin swallowed. "I guess we head inside."

"It's the only way to find Mom," Henry said, trying to sound more confident than he looked. But he was clearly determined to get his mother and Robin felt the same way.

The only way to save Regina was to walk through the door.

So with their arms locked, they walked out of the room and into the rest of Gracey Manor, ready to face whatever lay inside.

Together.

They walked along a corridor with several large windows on one side and portraits on the other side. Henry frowned as he looked outside the window. "Is it night again?" he asked.

"I don't think so," Robin said, looking outside and seeing a dark sky past bare trees that looked foreboding. "The forest around us was green and leafy. This must be the natural setting for wherever this house is."

"I have to agree with that," Tink said. "It all feels…dead."

Henry shivered. "I hate to think that Mom is here."

Robin nodded. "I know. She deserves so much better."

"That's why we're here," Tink said. "To rescue her from here."

"And hopefully we find her soon," Robin replied. "I don't like the thought of anyone being here longer than they need to be."

Thunder clapped in the distance before lightning filled the window with eerie white light. He noticed the portraits reacted to the lightning and he paused, frowning. Robin stood in front of a portrait of a woman dressed in a blue dress and with her pale hair curling around her hair while wearing a bonnet. When the lightning flashed again, she transformed. Her hair turned to snakes and her serene expression became terrifying as she revealed pointed teeth. When the lightning died away, she was back to normal.

But Robin certainly was unnerved.

He only motivated him to find Regina and get out of there as quickly as possible.

"Come on," he said, urging Henry and Tink to continue down the hallway. "I don't trust these portraits not to eat us."

"Do you hear music?" Henry asked, frowning.

Robin listened, hearing a harsh melody played on a piano. He nodded. "I do. Where is it coming from?"

Tink pointed to the room ahead of them. "I think it's coming from there."

"Do you think we're going to have our first encounter with a ghost?" Henry asked, whispering now. "If so, what do we do?"

"I've never fought a ghost," Robin said. "We'll have to figure it out when the time comes."

Tink shrugged. "Maybe whoever it is will just keep playing and we won't have to worry about it."

He nodded. "So we should be quiet so we don't disturb them."

"Understood," she whispered while Henry nodded.

"Good," he whispered. "Stay close."

They both stayed close to him as they walked into the next room. A large window looked out over the dead trees that surrounded the house as the moon now shone above them, its large white form eerie rather than comforting. In front of the window sat a piano with a melted candle in a black candlestick holder resting on it. The keys pressed down as if someone was playing it, a harsh melody to their ears. And while the seat was pulled out, Robin didn't see anyone playing it.

Until Tink tugged on his jacket and pointed to the floor in front of them. The moon cast shadows on it, including a human form that was tall and thin. It raised its arms and played the piano, drawing the tune from its keys.

It would seem not all the spirits were visible to them.

That made this place even more dangerous.

He motioned for them to walk quietly past the piano, hoping they wouldn't disturb the phantom playing the piano. Robin took Henry's arm, keeping the boy close while Tink brought up the rear. They all tiptoed through the room, reaching the other side without the music stopping. As Robin looked back, a flash of lightning filled the room again and he saw the musician for a few brief moments - a man dressed in a tuxedo with a long black cape and a white mask covering his face.

And then he was gone again.

Robin felt even more unnerved.

"It's a library," Henry said, drawing Robin's attention to the room they had entered. He realized Henry was right as he took in the shelves stretching from floor to ceiling filled with books. Several busts sat amongst them and though they had no defined eyes, he still felt as if they were watching him.

He hated this place.

Robin placed his hand on Henry's back and gently pushed him forward. "Let's keep walking. I don't want to stop for long in any of these rooms," he said.

"I don't blame you," Tink replied. "I agree. Let's keep moving."

"But imagine all the books in here," Henry said, his eyes wide. Robin didn't know if he was speaking as a curious young man or as the Author. "All the stories…"

Tink took his hand. "I know they're calling to you but I'm pretty sure they are traps. Books can have magic of their own and some people use that for evil. Everything about this place screams evil to me so we can't chance anything."

Robin nodded. "She's right. We can't trust anything in this house. We need to stick to our plan - get your mother and find a way out. Okay?"

"Okay," Henry said, though he looked disappointed. "Let's go."

"Good," Robin replied, guiding him into the next room. "Hopefully we don't have many more rooms to go."

Tink pointed ahead of them. "Not on this floor at least. Looks like the only way is up."

Robin saw stairs that led up into darkness and his stomach did a flip. Still, he tried to stay positive. "At least it's not down," he said.

"True," she replied. "But who knows what awaits us upstairs?"

"Hopefully it's Mom," Henry said, yearning in his eyes. "Then we can find our way out of here."

Robin nodded. "I'll head upstairs first. If I say run, Tink, you take Henry and just run. Get him to safety."

"I will," Tink promised, a resolute look in her eyes.

"We're not leaving you," Henry said, panic in his eyes. "I can't lose you too."

Robin squeezed his shoulder. "I'm going to do everything I can to make sure of that but it's still a possibility. And I'd rather save you, okay?"

Henry nodded. "Okay. But be careful."

"I will," Robin promised, turning back to Tink. "Give me a few minutes and if it all looks clear, I'll let you know you can come up."

"We'll be waiting," she said, placing her hand on Henry's shoulder. "Good luck."

Robin thanked her before climbing the stairs, ready to face whatever lay above them.

The staircase defied the laws of physics.

Not that Robin really understood the laws of physics. He had seen them in one of Henry's textbooks and then a program he watched late at night when he couldn't sleep in New York. But he understood enough to know that this staircase should have been physically impossible.

Stairs stopped in the middle of nowhere. Some were upside down. Most vanished into darkness. Robin looked around him, trying to figure out where to go. Green footprints of various sizes appeared on the steps, as if spirits were walking all around him as they continued on their way. They could navigate the stairs.

Maybe that was all that mattered.

"Robin?" Tink called out. "Everything good?"

"Well, there doesn't appear to be any threats," he responded. "But these stairs are not meant for the living."

She was quiet for a moment before saying: "We're coming up."

He sighed, knowing that was for the best. Once he found his way to the next floor, he didn't know if he would be able to guide them to find him. "Alright, but be careful," he told them.

"Wow," Henry said, reaching the landing first. "Holy Escher Staircase, Batman!"

"What?" Robin asked, frowning.

Henry shrugged. "It's a well-known drawing and these stairs look exactly like the ones in the drawing."

Robin sighed. "Does the drawing show a way out?"

"No," Henry replied. "That's not the point."

"Of course not," Robin replied, rubbing the back of his neck. "Where should we go now?"

Tink pulled out a little satchel. "I have some pixie dust. Should we use it?"

He frowned. "Will we have enough to find Regina? Or will it lead us straight to her?"

"I think we can use a little to help us get out of this staircase," she said. "We can save the rest to find Regina if needed."

"Let's still save that for now," Robin said, knowing they would also likely need it to get out of the mansion again as well so they had to be careful with their usage. "If after ten minutes we can't find a way out, we'll use it."

Tink nodded. "Sounds like a plan. Just one question - how are we going to know when it's been ten minutes?"

Robin held up his arm. "We'll use my watch."

"I know I'm not used to the technology of the Land Without Magic," Tink said, pointing to his watch. "But I'm pretty sure it's not supposed to do that."

"Do what?" Robin asked, turning the watch so he could look at it. The hands were spinning around the face and all the numbers had disappeared except for one - the number 13 stood where the 12 usually did.

This house was the worst place he had ever been.

Even the Underworld.

"Okay," he said, sighing. "I guess we'll just have to figure out when we all give up and agree to use the pixie dust instead."

"Sounds like a plan," she agreed.

Robin wrapped his arm around Henry. "Good. Then everyone stay close. We don't want to get lost."

They all moved forward, walking down a dark hallway. Henry pulled out his flashlight and used it to light their way so they didn't accidentally walk over the edge. After all, they were alive and could get hurt - or worse.

No one wanted that.

"I think I see light up ahead," Tink said, squinting. "Or is that from Henry's flashlight?"

"No, I don't think that's from me," Henry replied. "I think that's a separate light source. Maybe it's the next floor!"

Relief and hope filled Robin. "I hope so."

They reached the end of the hallway and when they stepped out, Robin's heart sank. "We're back where we started," he said. "We've just gone in a circle!"

"These stairs definitely weren't meant for the living," Henry said. "Maybe that's why we can't use them properly?"

"Maybe," Tink replied, holding up the bag again. "Pixie dust time?"

Robin shook his head as an idea formed in his head. "Not yet. Henry may be onto something. This house isn't really meant for the living so what if it's messing with us because we are?"

Henry's eyes lit up. "Like an illusion?"

"Exactly," Robin said. "We need to break the illusion."

"Okay," Henry replied. "How?"

Tink grinned. "I think I know how. Step back."

Robin and Henry did just that as Tink raised her hands, walking forward slowly. Henry tilted his head. "What are you doing?"

"Feeling for the wall," she said. "The real wall. That will help break the illusion."

"Alright," Robin replied, though he wasn't sure how that would help. But he knew he had to trust her and hope for the best.

Tink stopped after a few more steps, her hands flat as if pressed against something. She nodded, grinning. "Found the real wall," she said.

"Now what?" Henry asked.

"Watch," she said, closing her eyes. Robin held his breath, waiting to see what would happen next.

The dark shimmered until it transformed into a purple color with bat-like decorations. No, he realized as yellow dots blinked into existence. It was decorated with eyes. That didn't seem any less creepy than the stairs that led to nowhere.

Speaking of the stairs, they melted away to reveal that they were standing on a regular staircase made of wood painted black. Robin looked up, relieved to find the second floor only a few steps above them. They were almost there.

"Wow," Henry said, amazed. "How did you do that?"

"Blue may have taken my wings but she couldn't take my innate magic. I used it to speak to the magic in this house and get it to go dormant, for lack of a better word," she said. "I'm not sure how many more times I'll be able to do that before I'm either drained or the house catches on so we'll still need to be careful."

Robin nodded, understanding. "Hopefully the house doesn't throw that type of curve at us again," he said.

They climbed the last few steps to the second floor, finding two options - they could keep going straight or they could take the hallway to the right of them. He paused, trying to figure out which way they should go. The way straight was mostly cast in shadow and he heard moans as well as banging coming from the doors that lined the hallway. When he looked right, it was quiet and looked better lit.

For a moment, he considered going down that hallway until he remembered the stairs. He knew he couldn't trust his instincts now and needed to remember that nothing was what it seemed.

Which meant that the scarier of the options likely was the safest.

"We should go straight," he said, hoping he sounded more confident than he felt. "Let's go."

"Are you sure?" Henry asked, frowning. He pointed to the hallway on the right. "That looks a bit clearer."

Tink, though, nodded. "I agree with Robin. We should go straight."

Henry didn't budge. "But why?"

"Well, that for starters," Tink said, her face draining of color as she pointed down the right hallway.

Robin followed her finger and saw a floating candelabra with blue flames coming toward them. He wrapped his arm around Henry, pulling him closer. "We should go," he said, his stomach twisting into a knot.

Tink nodded, also taking Henry's arm. "Agreed."

"Come on, Henry," Robin said, almost dragging the boy with him. "This way is definitely the safest way."

"I can't move," Henry replied, panic in his voice. "It's like I'm frozen."

Tink gave him a push. "That's just the fear. Don't give into it and you'll find you can move."

Robin nodded. "She's right. Close your eyes if you have to and trust us."

"Okay," Henry said, doing just that. "I trust you."

He let out a deep breath and his body went limp. Robin lifted Henry as Tink nodded. "Let's go."

They dragged Henry from the forking hallways. Once they took a few steps away, his feet began to move and he soon was walking with them. Robin patted him on the back. "I think you can open your eyes now," he said.

"Alright," Henry replied, opening his eyes. He nodded. "I feel better. Thank you."

"You're welcome," Robin said, releasing him. "Just be careful going forward, okay?"

Henry nodded. "I will."

Robin patted his shoulder. "Good."

"Well, I guess it's time to head down the creepy hallway," Tink said, eyeing a coffin as someone pushed up on the lid. "And fast. I don't want to see who is inside that."

"Neither do I," Robin said, moving forward. The door next to him bulged open as someone - or something - pushed against it. He thought he saw a yellow eye before the door snapped back into place. "I don't want to know why any of these doors are locked."

Tink frowned. "That is odd. This is supposed to be a place where spirits can roam free. Why lock them up?"

"I don't know," Robin replied. "But I have two guesses. One, these spirits are too dangerous to be allowed to roam free."

"That's not very comforting," she said, shuddering. "What's guess number two?"

He paused before saying: "That these are spirits who pose a threat to Gracey and so he's locked them up so they can't stop him."

She eyed the door again before nodding. "I think that one might be closer to the truth than guess number one."

"Do you think Mom is locked up in one of these rooms?" Henry asked, fear in his eyes. "She would try to stop him if she knew what he was doing. Mom wouldn't stand for it."

"You're right about that but I don't think she's in one of these rooms," Robin said with more conviction than he felt. "She hasn't been here that long. I don't think she's a threat to Gracey."

He left the word yet unspoken.

They walked down the hallway and toward a darkened room. An eerie voice came from it, chanting. "Serpents and spiders, tail of a rat, call in the spirits, wherever they're at!"

"What the heck is that?" Robin asked, stopping short. The last thing he needed now was to run into snakes and spiders as well as possibly rats.

"Sounds like a seance," Tink said. "Though I'm not sure why there needs to be one in a house filled with spirits."

He looked around them and sighed. "Unfortunately, that's the only way we can go."

She nodded. "Yeah. But there's a chance the person conducting the seance is a real medium. Which means she might be able to help us find Regina."

"I guess that's a bright spot," Robin said. "We should still be cautious."

"Of course," she agreed. "Mediums can be tricky."

Henry frowned. "How so?"

She shrugged. "Depends. Some are just charlatans who swindle money from desperate people who just want to talk with their loved ones again," she said.

"I've seen them, yes," Robin replied. "And true mediums?"

"They can use their powers to connect with evil spirits and attack people," she said. "I think that's what we should be careful about now."

He nodded. "Understood. Henry, maybe you should wait out here until we figure out what's going on?"

But Henry shook his head, eyes full of fear. "You saw what happened by that hallway. I think I should stay close to you," he said.

"Okay," Robin replied. "Stay close to Tink."

"I will," Henry said, letting Tink hook her arm with his. "See?"

Robin nodded, pleased. "Then let's go."

He led them into the next room, which was black. Several items floated overhead, including several musical instruments. Robin's stomach flipped as he worried something was going to fall on them if they weren't careful.

"Goblins and ghoulies from last Halloween, awaken the spirits with your tambourine!"

The tambourine floating over his head shook, obeying the medium's orders. He wondered what other powers she possessed and it made him worry even more. Robin took a deep breath and looked around the room, ready to confront the medium.

"Creepies and crawlies, toads in a pond, let there be music from regions beyond!"

As a trumpet blared behind him, he focused on a small table covered with a purple tablecloth covered with white stars. On it sat a large crystal ball and floating inside it was the head of a dark-haired woman with thick eyeliner and red lips. Her skin had a ghosty blue glow and he wondered where the rest of her body was before deciding it was probably best not to know.

"Excuse me," he said, stepping closer as Tink stood with Henry. "Who are you?"

"I am Madame Leota," she said. "And I can see into regions beyond. Ask me your question and I will tell you what you want to know."

Her wording caught his attention and he tilted his head. "What I want to know or what I need to know?"

She chuckled. "You are a clever one. I shouldn't have expected anything less of you, Robin of Locksley. Or do you prefer Robin Hood?

"Yes, I know who you are," she replied, smirking as if she had astounded him. "I told you. I see all, I know all."

"I understood," he told her. "You're a medium. Of course you know my name. I would be surprised and disappointed if you didn't."

Her smirk morphed into a scowl. "Oh."

Robin nodded. "So, I also assume you know why we're here."

"I do," she replied. "You seek the Queen."

"Yes," he said. "Will you tell us where she is?"

Madame Leota closed her eyes, as if contemplating his question. Or falling asleep, therefore giving him his answer. Robin decided to stand there a little longer to see what happened next.

She opened her eyes. "I can't tell you exactly where she is. He won't let me," she said, no doubt speaking of Gracey.

"I understand," Robin replied, knowing it wouldn't be that easy to find her. "Can you at least give us some clues?"

"I think I can give you one," she said, nodding. "But listen closely."

He leaned closer as Tink and Henry joined him. "We're listening."

Madame Leota's eyes darted around before she spoke in a low voice. "You are invited to a swinging wake," she said. "Stay alert and you will receive another clue to find what you seek. But beware, danger lurks all around and one who wears white will prove to be no angel."

"Okay," he said, feeling even more confused. "Thanks."

"Be careful," she added. "The spirits have picked up on your sympathetic vibrations and will start to appear more to you. Some will be friendly, many will not."

Robin nodded. "Understood."

She looked him up and down before nodding. "Good. And good luck. The Queen's time is running out. I see great things in her future but only if you act quickly."

"Right," he said, turning to Henry and Tink. "Let's go."

"Coming," Henry replied, looking as determined as he did when he first arrived at Gracey Manor. "Let's go get my mom."

Tink nodded, smiling. "Let's go."

After thanking Madame Leota, they walked toward the other side of her dark room and stepped out into another hallway. Robin took a deep breath before whispering: "Hold on, Regina. We're coming."

Deep down, he believed she heard him.

Wherever she was.

A/N: Another chapter! Robin has some unexpected company in his quest to save Regina but there is strength in numbers.

For those wondering, I am most familiar with the Disney World version of the Haunted Mansion so that's the inspiration for Gracey Manor. Which means if you're familiar with the (many) differences between it and the version in Disneyland, you now know which way the stretching room stretched!

Also, you probably spotted the quotes taken from the ride as well!

There will be a few obstacles hindering them before they find Regina. If you're familiar with the Haunted Mansion, you might be able to guess them.

See you next time!

-Mac