by Jamie Ott
Lin returned to the school. When she entered the Great Hall from the side entrance, everyone was already there and they looked livid.
“I thought we agreed that everyone was to remain inside the castle,” said Doctor Mandel.
“I had to try and find out if there really are fairies here. We’re going to need all the magic we can muster, and it’s a good thing I went and explored because I’ve got information. It’s a matter of life and death to all those who remain in Avalon.”
Lin explained about seeing the girl on the mountain, and her plan to return there and find a real fairy. Then she explained about how Ilda appeared and told her of Golshem and the Wackens, and how they transported them and how they could get back.
Despite the good information, Ms. Riley was still angry. “I can’t believe you went out. What if something happened to you? Then we’d be down one person. Don’t do it again!”
“You know,” said Mandel, “for centuries, people have reported strange mists, and disappearing into them only to turn up years later, not having aged a single day, and with stories of other beings: Fairies – so called little people. Given what we know of history, that it’s brutal and false, who knows what our ancestors really did.”
Just then, the sound of voices traveled from the entrance hall.
“Okay,” said Ms. Crackwell. “Here’s today’s plan: Doctor Mandel and I will work on the shadow trapping and dancing spells. We should have something ready to go by the end of today. You, three, are going to wait for all the students to arrive, and then enchant them into going about their days as if everything’s normal.”
“What if she lied?” asked Milton, still stuck on the prior conversation. “We’re supposed to trap some shadows? That can be dangerous. Children have been swallowed by shadows, never to return.”
“I don’t think she’s lying. She’s giving us a chance to save ourselves. We don’t have much time, either. There’s something else. The Queen of this land has given us two days to leave, or else they will expel us. Ilda didn’t explain what this meant, but I’m sure it’s a euphemism for something terrible.”
“Two days!” Milton exclaimed.
“This is gonna be messy,” said Ms. Riley. “Some will surely die.”
The sounds of voices got louder.
Ms. Crackwell said, “Alright, we’ll meet here at 5 pm and you’ll get updates then. There’s no point in tainting the food because we still haven’t figured out how to remove the anti enchantments features from around the castle perimeters. Just put spells on them, and then go about your days.”