Cretaceous Clay And The Ninth Ring

by Dan Knight

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  One small girl dawdled in the hall. She was late again. If she walked across the gym everyone would stare at her. The dwarf in the funny robe might call her out and make fun of her.

  They might say, “Late again, Daisy? Why can’t you be on time?” Or worse, she might even get detention. “We’ll teach you this time, Daisy. You’ll have to help Miss Dewey file books for a week.”

  Miss Dewey is a sourpuss. She shivered at the thought of working in the library for Miss Dewey.

  She peeked into the gymnasium. Everyone stared at the dwarf wearing the sorcerer’s robe. He’s a wicked warlock, she thought. Is he going to a Halloween party?

  She hugged herself, and backed away. The walls of the hall jogged around the massive columns supporting the cavern over their heads. Daisy snuck behind a column where she could hear and not be seen. I can hear everything here. I’ll know what they say if Miss Heartburn asks. Satisfied with her hiding spot, she strained to listen. When they leave the gym, I’ll catch up with my class. If Heartburn caught her, she would say she had to powder her nose.