We were about ten minutes in when I started to get very nervous. I mean, I had a deadline! I was just about to risk trying a Quick Getaway spell on the Zâne when I heard a familiar sound. It was a sort of animal chittering followed by laughter and a loud splash.
The Zâne motioned for us to be quiet as we crept up to a familiar hillock. I peered over the edge, and I had to use all my power not to burst out laughing.
Below us, I could see Tibix, the sprites’ chief, jumping and clapping. Behind him, several little sprites turned a crank. And hanging over a stream, dangling by their legs, were Gilles DeRay and Erzsebet Bathory.
“We found these vampires wandering in the forest and bound them so they couldn’t transform. Then we turned them over to Tibix. Are they friends of yours?” asked the white rose lady. As she spoke, the little sprites let the crank go and Erzsebet and Gilles plummeted into the water.
I looked at the others. Wolf and Jezebel both smiled wickedly.
“Nope. Never saw them before in my life,” I lied.
“In that case, we’ll let Tibix have his fun,” the white rose lady said. “We’ll show you back to the road now.”
When we reached the road, we said our final good-byes to the Zâne, who invited us to visit again soon. After that, we didn’t see anything unusual, except once, near the middle of the forest. I thought I saw green eyes watching us from a tree, but they disappeared when we investigated.
“What do you think that was? Just a forest animal?” Wolf asked.
“I don’t know, but it’s not the first time I’ve seen something watching us,” I said.
“Do you think it might be that old mangy cat of Muma Padurii’s? It looked kind of like cat eyes,” Jez said.
“I doubt it,” I said, although I spent the rest of the trip through the forest looking over my shoulder.
We spent all morning walking under the canopy of trees. By sunset, we emerged from the oppressing forest and into open air. Although we were all tired, the sight of familiar territory (not to mention our looming deadline) gave us a boost of energy. Wolf and I practically ran the last stretch, dragging Queen Catalina and Ileana with us. Jez took advantage of the darkness and flew as a bat. We reached the doorway to the school early that evening.
Wasting no time, we made our way to Master Dreadthorn’s office. Tabs was coming out just as we reached the door. She paused a moment to sniff at the newcomers and flew in excited circles around the queen, but otherwise ignored us. We knocked on the door, which opened by itself.
“Come in,” my father’s smooth voice sounded from inside.
“Maybe you should wait here a minute so I can introduce you?” I said to Queen Catalina and Princess Ileana.
The queen smiled and said, “Of course.”
Wolf, Jez, and I found Master Dreadthorn sitting at his desk, pretending to barely notice us.
“Well?” he asked.
I couldn’t contain myself.
“I did it! I did it all!”
“Ahem,” Jez said from beside me.
“With help from my Conspirators, of course,” I added.
“What proof do you bring?” he asked.
“Proof?” I asked, looking at Jez and Wolf. “But you never said we needed—”
“Let me get this straight, Rune. You thought you could just vacation in the forest for a few days, return without any proof of your Plot’s success, and I’d believe you?”
“I … but …”
I looked to Jez and Wolf for help but found none. Wolf looked utterly terrified—his ears drooping, tail tucked—and Jezebel was staring at me like she was about to make me her next snack.
“If you have no proof, then—”
“They do have proof,” Queen Catalina said, stepping inside the room with Ileana close behind.
“Cat!” Master Dreadthorn said, standing so suddenly that he knocked over the skull and its candle, setting the papers on his desk ablaze.
“Veldin. It’s been too long!”
Then the queen rushed over to my dad, who had managed to put out the flames with his cloak, and hugged him.
He looked positively stunned.
“I take it you two know each other?” I asked, a little hurt that this had never come up before now.
“We all did,” the queen said. “Veldin, Morgana, Muma Padurii, and me. We were all in school here together. Of course, back then it was Stiltskin’s School for Wayward Villains.”
“Wait. You were friends?” Jez asked, eyeing my dad and the queen suspiciously. I got the feeling Jez thought maybe they were more than just friends.
“Yes, well, as much as any villains can be, but we had a bit of—”
“A falling-out,” Master Dreadthorn finished.
“Oh!” I said. This explained a lot—like how the queen and Chad’s mom seemed to know each other, and why Morgana would be working with Muma Padurii to bring down Queen Catalina’s kingdom and my dad’s school.
“It doesn’t really matter,” Master Dreadthorn said crisply. “It was all long ago and is better forgotten.”
I thought the queen looked hurt for a moment. She drew away from my dad, but she smiled again.
“Anyway, I know your Plot succeeded. You didn’t need to drag an entire royal court here,” the Dread Master said. His face revealed no emotion whatsoever.
“But a minute ago you said you didn’t believe Rune!” Ileana finally spoke up. Master Dreadthorn looked at her in surprise, as if he just noticed her for the first time.
“May I present Princess Ileana?” the queen said.
Master Dreadthorn nodded stiffly, but he didn’t take his eyes off the princess. Like all young villains, she squirmed under his cool gaze.
“How did you know the Plot succeeded?” I asked him boldly. Ileana looked relieved when Master Dreadthorn’s eyes slid from her to me.
“I have my ways.”
I glanced behind the Dread Master at the glass case that usually contained his crystal ball. It wasn’t there, of course. I cringed as I realized it was still in my backpack.
“What now?” Wolf asked from beside me.
“Now, Mr. Wolf, the three of you will attend a ceremony at ten o’clock in the dining hall, where the entire student body will be gathered. That is all.”
Master Dreadthorn waved us away as if we were servants.
“Oh, and Cat,” he said.
“Yes?”
He looked as if he wanted to say something to her, but then noticed everyone watching and changed his mind.
“Tabs will show you and the princess to the girls’ dormitories, where you may stay for the night.”
“I think I can remember the way,” the queen said with a wink and a smile.
“Can you believe him?” I said as the door closed behind us. “He knew. He knew our Plot had succeeded, and he still wanted to make us squirm!”
“Don’t be too hard on him, Rune,” the queen said. “He’s always been like that.”
“Why didn’t you tell me you knew my dad in school?” I asked.
“Oh. Well. I wasn’t sure how much he’d said to you or how much he wanted you to know.”
This seemed kind of lame, but I didn’t dwell on it. After all, I had to get ready. A feeling of anticipation had come over me. In just a couple hours we’d celebrate, and the whole school would know I’d completed a Plot. I’d be a Fiend at last!
Jez and Wolf seemed to be thinking the same thing. They were both smiling.
“I can’t wait!” Jez said.
“Let’s get ready!” Wolf said. “Meet you in a few!”
We dashed off to our separate dorms.
Back in my room, I took out Eye of Newt. He’d almost gone out, but I managed to scrounge up some more fire ants for him. In no time, he was smoldering happily once more.
The room seemed too quiet. The remains from Chad’s last batch of cookies lay stale and untouched. I wondered where Chad had gone and if I’d see him again. Where would he go now? I realized I might
never know.
Finally, the hour drew near. I showered and changed clothes, then met Wolf in the hallway. He’d cleaned up, and was wearing a suit that looked totally ridiculous—especially on a dog.
We bumped into Jezebel by the Great Clock, and I almost didn’t recognize her. She had traded in her traveling cloak for a black dress with a purple satin lining and a high collar. Her hair was curled and pinned up. She looked amazing.
Wolf let out a little howl and waggled his eyebrows at me, then ran ahead, leaving Jez and me alone.
“Whoa,” I said, taking in her outfit.
“Do you like it?” she asked, twirling. “My dad bought it for me.”
I was reminded of the way she had twirled in her lambs’ leaf towel, and suddenly felt like something was stuck in my throat and my cheeks were burning. I loosened my collar, but it didn’t help.
“Uh,” I croaked. “You look … beautiful.”
Jez stopped twirling and smiled at me, her violet eyes sparkling. I offered her my arm, and together we made our way to the dining cave, where we caught up with Wolf Junior.
We peeked around the doorway, catching a glimpse of the enormous cavern, which had been decorated for the occasion. Glittering candlelight reflected from the water that glided in smooth, even sheets down the glistening walls. Skulls adorned every table, no doubt donated by Jez’s dad.
“This is it!” Wolf said excitedly, drooling a little on his collar. “I can’t believe we did it!”
“No more kitchen duties. We’re going to be Fiends!”
“Ahem,” Jez said.
“Except for Countess Jezebel, of course, who will be an Apprentice,” I amended.
“Finally!” said Jez. “Daddy will be so proud of me!”
I wondered what my own dad thought. He hadn’t seemed very excited that I’d completed my Plot, but had I really expected anything else?
We stood outside, listening to the excited chatter of the entire student body seated within.
When we stepped through the doorway everyone stared at us, and the buzzing chatter grew louder as whispers and gossip flew around the hall. Clearly, a rumor about our Plot had already spread. At the front of the cavernous hall was Master Dreadthorn. He motioned for us to join him on the platform. Here, a table had been set up just for us, and I noticed a few other figures sitting at the table.
One was Wolf’s dad, Big Bad Wolf Senior. His tongue lolled, and his tail wagged happily. To his left was Jez’s dad, Count Dracula. He nodded his pale face as Jezebel approached, and she beamed up at him, unable to hide her happiness.
Sitting next to my dad were Queen Catalina and Princess Ileana. They both waved and smiled at me. I flashed back a grin, caught my dad watching me, and quickly wiped the smile off my face. Then I noticed someone else.
Sitting next to the count—to my surprise—was Morgana. She wore head-to-toe white and looked more stunning than ever. However, her painted-on smile did not reach her emerald eyes. She kept watch on me as I entered the room. I got the sinking feeling that I’d made a new enemy.
“Attention,” the Dread Master said after we’d reached the platform. Even though he spoke quietly, the room grew quickly silent.
“Today, a villainous Plot has been completed. Unfortunately, it was not the Plot you were all aware of. I am afraid Chad and Morgana’s students failed utterly in their Plot.”
Nobody missed the emphasis the Dread Master put on Morgana’s name. Her lips pursed, her eyes narrowed at Master Dreadthorn, and I could see her knuckles turning white as they strangled her napkin. Master Dreadthorn pretended not to notice.
“However, some of our own students took on a very dangerous, very secretive Plot, and I am pleased to report they succeeded! A baby was stolen, a princess kidnapped, a capcaun made into a villain’s henchman, and a kingdom overthrown!”
The hall erupted in cheers.
“Would you like to meet the Conspirators?”
More cheers. Wolf’s dad was howling. Dracula held out one of his hands and was patting the top of it delicately with his other hand. Morgana didn’t clap at all.
“Big Bad Wolf Junior, please come forward.”
Wolf moved next to my dad, who placed a medal around his neck.
“You are awarded the status of Fiend!”
More cheers. Wolf left a puddle of happy-drool on the floor, and his wagging tail made contact with the count’s crystal goblet, knocking the drink right into the vampire’s pallid face.
I was happy to see the flying liquid hadn’t missed Morgana. Her white dress was now spotted with red … and so was her face. A small skirmish broke out in which Morgana accused Dreadthorn of causing Wolf Junior to splash her on purpose. Dracula grabbed Wolf Junior’s tale as if to bite it. Wolf Senior grabbed Dracula by the hair, exposing his neck as if to bite him for trying to bite Wolf Junior. And it all ended with Morgana throwing her drink at Wolf Senior, missing, and splashing her beloved Count Dracula full in the face … again.
After exchanging several napkins and a round of insincere apologies, the chaos finally settled down. Then it was Jez’s turn.
“Countess Jezebel Dracula,” my father said.
Jez joined Wolf (whose tail was now hanging limply behind him) next to Master Dreadthorn.
“You are awarded the status of Apprentice!”
The hall erupted again as Master Dreadthorn gave Jez her medal. There were even a few whistles and catcalls from some of the vampire boys. I made mental note of who they were so I could hex them later. Then dad called me up.
“Rune Drexler,” he said with a long pause. He looked as if it pained him to admit my success. Finally, he got the rest of the words out. “You are awarded the status of Fiend!”
A slow smile spread across my face. No more kitchen duties. Everyone was clapping. I was finally a Fiend. I felt like nothing could ruin this moment. Then the Dread Master whispered to me, “I want to see you in my study. Midnight.”
I deflated like a balloon. What could he possibly want to see me for? A familiar twitching began in my left eye.
“Congratulations to all the Conspirators!” my father said aloud. Then we feasted. Jez’s dad even looked the other way as she enjoyed a well-earned cup of cocoa.
I decided to forget about my dad for a while. Maybe he just wanted to congratulate me personally. Slowly, I relaxed and enjoyed the moment. It was the best night I could ever remember having at Master Dreadthorn’s School for Wayward Villains.
In honor of our accomplishments, all classes had been canceled for the rest of the night. So, after the feast, everyone enjoyed a little after-party out in the moonlight. The vampires plied Jez with questions about her role in the Plot, while Wolf gave me an if-you-can’t-beat-them-join-them shrug and howled at the moon with the werewolf halfsies. Everyone was buzzing about Chad’s Plot failing, and I was bombarded by Crooks and Rogues all wanting to get in line to be my new roommate. Yeah. I was popular.
“Well done, Rune,” Princess Ileana said to me. “Turns out being kidnapped was one of the best things to ever happen to me.”
“Thanks,” I said with a laugh. “So, your mom might let you come here?” I nodded toward Queen Catalina, who was talking to Master Dreadthorn and Master Stiltskin.
“I think she’s arranging it right now. I can’t wait!”
I secretly hoped Queen Catalina would let Ileana enroll at Master Dreadthorn’s School. It might be cool to have her around. She was, after all, a very skilled lock picker. She definitely had villain potential.
I was talking to Jez and Wolf when Queen Catalina caught up with us. She hugged each one of us in turn, first Jez, then Wolf—both of whom stood rigid and stiff, looking very uncomfortable. Last, she hugged me.
“I’ve arranged with your father to have you visit next summer.”
“Really?” I asked in disbelief.
Master Dreadthorn was going to let me have fun? Who could’ve predicted that?
“There are a few things I still don’t understand,
though,” I said as the queen and I stepped away from the crowd.
“Oh?” she asked.
“What exactly happened between all of you? All those years ago? I mean, whatever it was made Padurii pretty angry. And Morgana keeps giving me the evil eye, and obviously something happened between you and my dad.”
“Veldin doesn’t like to talk about it. We both swore never to bring it up, but with all that’s happened, well …” She trailed off for a moment before speaking again.
“When I first came to this school, I was already a princess. My father was a king, my mother a sorceress, but my father kept it secret from the public. If word got out he’d married a villain, it would have ruined his political career. So my mother secretly enrolled me, telling my father I was attending a finishing school. I quickly made allies and found I was rather talented in Spelling and lock picking.”
I smiled, thinking of Ileana’s skills.
“My closest allies were Veldin, Morgana, and Muma Padurii. Veldin and Morgana were very competitive—always fighting to be best in our class. And Padurii …”
“Was ugly and evil?” I asked.
“No,” the queen said, sounding surprised. “She was beautiful.”
“What!” Muma Padurii had really let herself go in the last few years.
“She was lovely and in love. With your father.”
“Oh,” I said. The L-word was always a bit uncomfortable for villains, plus I couldn’t really picture anyone being in love with the Dread Master.
“But he had already given his heart to somebody else.”
“Really? Who?” I asked.
She smiled at me. “Oh!” I said. “You?”
“That’s right. In fact, during our final year at school, we were secretly married.”
“Whoa.” I was completely stunned. I couldn’t believe how little I knew about my own father.
“It didn’t last, though,” the queen continued. “When Padurii found out, she was heartbroken. She wrote a letter to my father, revealing that I was actually attending a school for villains. He forced me to leave Veldin and arranged for me to marry another man that same month.”
“Your husband, the king?” I asked.
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