Billy said something to Badger then turned to Stevie. “We will stand with you and fight.”
Stevie looked at Billy. “We saw this thing swallow a wolf whole that was even bigger than you.”
Billy said something to Badger and replied, “We'll guard the back of the house.” They both ran around the side of the cottage. They could be heard arguing in piggy.
Stevie said, “Smart guinea pigs.”
Jo, looking worn, sat down on the bench by the front door. “If that thing follows him back, I'll try to help.”
Stevie looked at her. “You still have some tricks in that book of yours?”
Jo gave a grin. “It has a lot of things, but I can't understand most of it. I don't think I've got the strength to build too many more walls.”
George said, “You should go inside. We'll watch the front door.”
Jo said, “I'm not going anywhere.” She dug her hand into the pouch and pulled out her book. “Maybe if you get hurt, there is something I can do to help in here.”
Abby yelled from the tower, “I can see something coming through the woods.”
Drago appeared, jogging, but not with great haste. George ran out to meet him, “Did you slay the millipede?”
“It was not the sort of beast that one slays,” he said, giving George a pat on the back as he headed towards the cottage. He gave a wave to the tower and said, “Come now, my new friends, let’s whip up some stew and share our tales.”
Soon Drago was stacking wood in the stone fireplace. “Please, everyone, sit down, and tell me how you came to be in the Pit of Woe. It isn't a place for...young adventurers.”
Abby told how they had been trapped by Montagne Du Nord and how Flora and Tempest made a door for them to escape. Drago listened and chopped vegetables. Stevie jumped in when she got to the part about the first wolf attacking. Jo blushed when Stevie described how she saved them all.
Drago gave an approving nod to Jo who was sitting in a chair by the bookcase in the corner. He said, “You are a very smart young lady. Where did you learn to do such a thing?”
Jo was holding the book on her lap and opened it up to one of the first few pages. Drago stopped cutting and gave a look at the page. “You understand this writing?”
“Yes, but I'm not sure why. The symbols just seem to make sense.” She shrugged and added, “It gets confusing after just a few pages.”
“There is old Russian proverb that says 'without torture no science,' and I'd say the Pit of Woe was just the thing for you.”
George got very excited. “Oh, guess what guys? Drago taught me how to use my sword and shield.”
Cindy ignored George and said, “So how did you escape that big disgusting bug with all the legs?”
Drago took a jug off of the shelf and set out six wooden mugs. “This cider goes good with stories.” He filled the glasses and began to tell the tale. “What you did not know about the pit I've known for many years. It is a trap set by a clever and somewhat ruthless wizard who lives in the hills on the other side. I've met him a time or two and can tell you he is the sort one wants to keep an eye on. He created the pit long before I was here in the meadow. The key to the trap is the path that leads into it. It is a simple spell, not much more difficult than the one Jo used, and that is what makes it so clever. You see, he added one element: the path disappears each night.”
Stevie said, “And then it grows back when the sun hits it. We saw that this morning.”
“Exactly. You landed there by mistake, but most adventurers happen upon the great pit and are too curious not to go down and search for treasure. The ones who stay too long soon find they are trapped. Each morning the wizard sends out a pack of beasts to check the pit. They are usually enough to take care of most adventurers, but you were too clever, and so he sent the giant millipede.”
Abby asked, “Why does he want to kill adventurers or anyone?”
“It is for things like that book, your bow, and the staff that Miss Cindy carries. They are the treasures he wants, and, for as long as I've been here, the pit has been his weapon.”
Enraged Abby said, “That isn't right. Somebody needs to teach him a lesson.”
“Perhaps, but it is not us. His name is Mennecke Hekath, but most just use his last name or call him Hekath the Wizard.”
Abby asked, “Why does he need weapons and books if he is so powerful?”
“You are a bright girl, and it is good question. I've spent many years wondering that myself. I have a theory, though. I think he is building an army.”
Stevie said, “What for?”
“I don't know, but I suspect that sooner or later I'll find out. It will be a bad day when that news comes. A bad day for all.” He stopped talking and continued working on the stew. Drago suggested someone check on the guinea pigs. Abby and Stevie volunteered as Jo was now fast asleep in the corner.
While the stew was stewing, Abby and Cindy got the table ready. George showed Stevie what he learned with the sword, and Billy and Badger provided encouraging “wheeks.”
The afternoon sun made its way towards evening.
Jo awoke shortly before the stew was ready. She dug through her leather pouch and pulled out some left over goodies from their night at the oasis. Jo looked at the table with its six place settings and said, “What about the other guy? What was his name?”
Abby said, “I don't know, but you're right. We should invite him, too.” Drago had gone off to his tower when he saw the stew was doing fine. Abby climbed the stairs and found Drago and the strange-looking man talking quietly and looking out over the meadow. “Excuse me, but will your friend be joining us for dinner?”
“Ah, Abby, let me introduce to you my comrade Anton.”
Anton stepped forward and gave a deep bow. Drago said, “He does not speak a language you'd understand and only knows a little English, but he is pleased to make your acquaintance.”
“It is very nice to meet you, sir. We'd like it if you'd join us for dinner.”
Anton smiled and said something in his native tongue. Drago said, “He thanks you for the kind invitation and accepts your generous offer. We'll be down shortly.”
Abby turned and headed for the stairs. She noticed that they didn't begin speaking right away, which seemed strange since she couldn't understand them anyway.
When she came back downstairs, George and Stevie were laughing about their time practicing. Abby gave Stevie a look. He didn't seem to understand, so she glared at his sword which was lying across the table and said, “No weapons at the dinner table, boys.”
Stevie grabbed it and said, “Yes ma’am.” George set his stuff in the corner, and Stevie did the same.
Billy poked his nose in the door and said, “Badger and I are going to sack out in the back. We've missed a couple of our naps today, and we're both feeling it.”
Jo petted him on the nose. “Sleep well, Billy.”
Stevie asked, “Anyone know what day it is?”
Abby said, “Day one was in the tunnels, then we were in the desert, and last night we spent in the pit, so it must be day three. Why?”
“I was just thinking our weekend was nearly over.”
Cindy said, “My parents have talked endlessly about the challenge. They said something about time not being the same here.”
Stevie asked, “So what day is it back home?”
“No idea, but I don't think it's been three days there. I might be wrong. I don't really pay attention when they're talking.”
Stevie asked, “Anyone know how we get to the castle thingy from here?”
George said, “Drago has a map. I bet he knows.”
Drago, walking into the room, asked, “What do I know?”
“We are supposed to find this castle, but don't know where it is from here.”
“There are many castles. I hope you don't mean Haketh castle? It is not a place for children to be visiting. The walls are made of razor sharp stones. The bridge to the main gate crosses a raging r
iver that cannot be forged on foot. And his legion of archers patrol the towers with a shoot first, ask questions later attitude. You must be invited, or you won't make it through the front door.”
George said, “No, it isn't that one. I can't remember the name, though.”
“We are looking for the Castle of Madness” Abby said.
“Strange, I can't say I've heard of that one.”
Anton said something and Drago nodded. “He says it is over by...well, here let me get my map.”
Abby said, “Dinner is ready. You boys can figure out our next move after we've eaten.”
Stevie said, “When she gets that serious face, I make it a policy to do as she says.”
Drago studied her face and laughed. “I think you are right, my friend. We best do as Miss Abby says and enjoy this fine meal. The map will wait.”
The meal lasted for hours. Stories were told, and much laughter could be heard coming from Drago's cottage. When they were done, Jo insisted on cleaning up since she had slept while most of dinner was made. George and Stevie helped her.
Drago and Anton went outside and spoke in hushed tones for a while. When he came back in, Drago said, “It is decided. You will sleep here tonight, and, in the morning, Anton will take you to Castle of Madness.”
The cottage glowed in the warmth of the fire and about a dozen candles. Jo, done with cleaning, sat down and pulled out the strange box that nobody had been able to open.
Drago asked, “What have you got there?”
She shrugged and said, “I don't know. We can't figure out how to open it.”
“It looks like an ancient puzzle box. The pattern tells me it was made by the woodsman Saya. He died many years ago, and I haven't seen one of these in a long time. They are very rare. Where did you get it?”
“It was in one of those pillars we told you about - when we met Billy and Badger.”
“I've never seen one opened, but I've been told that he only made them to hold rare and unusual artifacts.”
Everyone gathered around the table as Jo handed Drago the box. He turned it around slowly in his hand. “You mind handing me that candle?”
George grabbed the one on the mantle and sat down across from Drago. “You see, there is a secret panel or button somewhere on the surface of the box.”
Stevie asked, “And that is how it opens?”
“Well, not exactly. Once we find the first move, there will be others. Sometimes just a few; other times, it could be dozens of moves. The more valuable the contents, the more the moves.”
Stevie pointed to a spot on the box. “Try there.”
Drago pushed and tried to slide the spot, but nothing happened.
George asked, “May I try?”
Drago handed him the box. “Maybe it is this spot. No, wait, this looks promising. Huh, I was sure...”
Cindy reached over and took it from him, “I'm great with puzzles. It is obvious that the one spot - see here? - it is slightly different than the others and must be the first move.” It was not, and everyone laughed. Cindy dropped it on the table and said, “This is stupid.”
Stevie said, “I got this.” For the next two minutes he studied it closely then announced, “I think I've figured it out. This part must slide...huh...guess not. Here, Abby, you try.”
Abby said, “I hate puzzles. No thanks.”
Stevie pushed it in front of her. “Don't be a wuss.”
Abby took the box and ran her fingers along the smooth surface. There was a soft click, then another, and a third. She spun the box and let her hands dance along the surface. She found move after move. When the top slid open, everyone cheered.
Stevie put his arm around her shoulder and gave her a squeeze. “You're the puzzle king.”
Abby, looking shocked but a little pleased, said, “Queen.”
George leaned over and exclaimed, “Look at those rings! Wow!”
Cindy held out her hand, “May I see them?”
Abby handed the box to Cindy.
“Definitely not Tiffany's. They're pretty gaudy.” She handed it back to Abby. “They're perfect for your hands.”
“Thanks,” Abby said while rolling her eyes.
Drago held out his hand. “May I see them?”
“Sure,” said Abby as she slid the box across the table.
He pulled the ring with the purple stone from the case, held it close to the flame, and read, “One ring to rule them all. One ring to find them. One ring to bring them all...”
George jumped up and yelled, “That's from Lord of the Rings. It makes you invisible.”
Drago smiled slyly and said, “Yes, I like Tolkien. It was little joke. It really just says 'enter.'” He pulled the second one out and said, “It is as I suspected; this one says exit.”
George asked, “What does that mean?”
“You have a rare pair of matched door rings.”
Abby asked, “What do they do?”
“They make life easier in more ways than you can imagine. Let me show you.”
Everyone followed Drago outside. It was dark, so he lit a torch and handed it to George. “Here, go run to the other side of the meadow.”
George took off. His boots of speed got him across the field in no time.
“It is really quite simple. Abby, put a ring on each hand. The purple stone on the right and the yellow stone on the left.”
Abby slid the rings on.
“Okay, now the purple ring will make a door. All you need to do is imagine what the door looks like and say 'Ingressos' and point it where you want it to be.”
Abby aimed the ring at a spot a little ways from the group and said, “Ingressos.” There were no loud sparks or drama. A red door with a gold knocker appeared and stood at the ready as if it had always been there. The door was open, and the space inside the doorframe was a swirling purple cloud.
“Well done. Most people don't get it on the first try or so I've heard. I've never actually seen a pair of these before. Now, point the yellow ring to a spot near George and say 'Egressus.'”
Abby straightened her left arm, made a fist, and pointed the ring to the right of George. She said, “Egressus,” and another door appeared. As soon as it did, the purple cloud disappeared and she could see the glow of George's torch.
Drago asked, “Who wants to be first?”
Stevie ran towards the first door yelling, “Last one through is a rotten egg.” As he passed through the door, he immediately came out from the one on the other side.
Abby and Cindy looked at each other as they both bolted for the door. Abby made it first. Jo said to Drago, “That would have been handy back in the pit.”
“Yes, but there are limitations,” he said as he walked towards the door. “After you?”
Jo stepped through and Drago followed, closing the door behind him. As soon as the latch clicked, he stood with the others and both doors were gone.
George said, “Aw, I didn't get to go through.”
“You will, my friend. This artifact is very valuable, and I've never heard of such a thing being found during a challenge. It is truly remarkable.”
Abby asked, “What's the big deal?”
Stevie said, “For one thing, we could have crossed that desert in no time.”
“But Billy and Badger wouldn't have fit through the doors,” Abby said.
Drago shook his head and said, “That is up to you. You must imagine the door you need. Let's try it again, but this time imagine a wider door.”
A new door appeared. It was funny shaped but definitely wide enough for the giant guinea pigs. The opposite door was the same only instead of red the door was yellow with polka dots.
“That is good. You are using your imagination. The more creative you are, the more powerful the doors become.”
Everyone walked through as Drago explained, “The only drawback is you must be able to see where the 'Egressus' door will land.”
Abby asked, “What do you mean?”
�
�It's called line of sight. You couldn't simply imagine a place and make a door there. They aren't that powerful.”
“Why did you close the door after you went through?” Stevie asked.
“When you close one door, it breaks the spell, and they disappear. A handy thing if you are being chased because if you leave the doors open anyone or anything can follow you through.”
Abby and the others played with the doors for another half hour and zipped all around the dark meadow. Drago lit his pipe and watched from the bench outside his cottage. The last door put the group right in front of him.
Abby said, “I am feeling really tired.”
Drago replied, “That is probably the rings. You should rest. The more you use them, the easier it will be.”
Stevie asked, “Can anyone use the rings?”
Drago took a puff from his pipe and said, “I believe that anyone can as long as they can open the box. I don't know what happens once the rings are out. Why don't you give it a try?”
Stevie looked at Abby and asked, “Do you mind?”
She smiled and said, “Of course not. Here.” Abby took off each ring and handed them to him. Stevie tried to put them on, but his fingers were too big.
George asked, “Can I try?”
Stevie handed him the rings and George slid one on each finger. Drago said, “Wrong hands. The purple goes on the right hand.”
George swapped the rings, pointed the purple one at the ground, and said, “Uhm, what was the word?”
Abby said, “Ingressos.”
George said it, but nothing happened. He tried again with the same result. Disappointed, he asked, “Anyone else want to try?”
Cindy and Jo didn't do any better, so they handed them back to Abby. Drago said, “It is probably best to put them back in the box if you think you can open it again.”
Abby said, “Yes, I think I remember how.”
Abby and Jo were both exhausted and went to bed while Cindy, George, and Stevie stayed up and talked. It had been a long day, but overcoming the pit had made them all feel like conquering heroes.
Chapter Ten
It was pouring rain the next morning. Jo and George made breakfast while Abby and Stevie looked out the front door. They couldn't see the far side of the meadow for all the sheets of rain. Abby said, “I checked on Billy and Badger. They are dry and safe, but neither wants to go out in this storm.”
Secret Doors: The Challenge Page 12