“I don't know that we have a choice. We were supposed to be at the castle two days ago.”
“It's going to suck walking in the rain. I wonder...” Her voice trailed off. She stood there silently for a moment. Drago and Anton came from the hall that led to the tower. Anton was wearing a heavy cloak that was dripping wet.
Drago said, “It smells great. Bad day for travel, though.”
Anton said something, and Drago agreed. “He says he likes the rain, and it makes hiding even easier.”
Abby asked, “Drago, if I created a door here and then went with Anton, could I make a door when we got there?”
“Sure, that would work.”
Stevie said, “That isn't fair, and I don't like the idea of you being alone.”
Anton made another comment and Drago laughed, “He says that she is much safer with him than any of you.”
Stevie said, “I'm sorry, Anton, I didn't mean anything by it.”
“It is good plan. She can wear the boots, and they will be able to get there much faster than if you all went along.”
George hung his head and took off the boots. “Here you go Abby,” he said, handing them to her with a weak smile.
“Thanks, George,” she said and gave him a hug. Abby whispered in his ear, “I'll give them back when we get there.”
George said, “It's okay; they're not mine anyway. I was just borrowing them from Drago.”
Drago said, “That isn't true, George. They were a present for you, my friend. I don't need them. I'm already fast.”
George smiled from ear to ear.
Abby slid the boots on and said, “Okay, I'm ready.” She raised her arm and said, “Ingressos.”
Jo said, “You're not going anywhere without eating.”
Anton said something and Drago translated, “He says he's not going anywhere without eating, either...and that it smells wonderful.”
Jo blushed a little.
After breakfast, Abby was ready to go. Jo had taken out Abby's backpack and filled it with water and food. Abby stood by the door waiting. Her foot was tapping impatiently though she didn't know it.
The rain was still brutal, but the wind had died down a little. Anton looked at her and said in English, “Follow.” Off he ran. Abby zoomed after him. Everyone watched them leave, and George said, “Those boots are really fun to wear. Just look at her go!”
Everyone helped clean up, and Jo went to check on Billy and Badger. She explained that Abby had created a big door they could fit through and that they didn't need to come out until the other side was open.
Badger said, “Wheek.”
Billy thanked Jo and went back to nibbling on some hay.
An hour passed and so did the storm. The sun came out, and birds began to talk among themselves. George and Stevie practiced their swordsmanship under Drago's watchful eye. Jo read her book. Cindy mostly just sat and watched the door and complained about being bored.
Another hour passed before the purple swirling cloud faded and Abby stepped through still wet but cheerful. “Hey, I made it. These boots are awesome!”
Anton followed her and said something to Drago then went back through. “He said he is going to guard the other side so nobody wanders through.”
Abby took off the boots and set them by the fire to dry. “I've put the door in a hidden little spot near the castle. Give me a second to dry off, and we can go. Are you coming with us Drago?”
“No, I think I'll go into town.”
Stevie asked, “There's a town near here?”
“No, not near here. I mean Moscow.”
“You're going to Moscow?’” George asked, sounding shocked.
“Das, I have a little place there. Actually, it is a big place by Moscow standards. I like to pop in from time to time, hang out with friends, and do some shopping.”
George said, “I thought you just lived here in the forest. Does everyone here have a place back in...well...”
“No, not everyone is from the human’s world. I grew up in Moscow before Nicholas II had even been born. When I was twelve, I took the challenge.”
Stevie asked, “You took it, too? Was it like ours?”
“No, they are all different. Mine was actually rather tame. I had to battle a nasty grugluck, but, aside from that, not much of an adventure.”
George asked, “Do you have a secret door that takes you right there?”
“Das.”
“Can I see it?”
“Not now, my friend. It wouldn't work for you, but someday, when you're older, you and your friends may come back and visit old Drago, and I'll take you to my home and let you meet my other friends.”
George asked, “Do they come here, too?”
“Nyet, they are just regular Russians and know nothing of this place. Most people wouldn't understand or believe me if I tried to tell them. Once people become adults, it is too late.”
Jo sort of cocked her head and looked sad. Drago saw her and asked, “What is wrong, little one?”
“If you were alive before Tsar Nicolas II then all the friends you grew up with are...”
“Das, but I make new friends and never forget the old ones.”
Jo gave a heavy sigh. “But that is so sad.”
“My friends would like knowing there was one of the old gang still kicking and still telling their stories. The people I call friends, today - they listen to my stories, and it feels like the old gang is still with me.”
Jo accepted this but gave him a hug anyway.
Abby said, “We better get going.” She gave Drago a big hug, too. “You saved us, and I'll never forget it.”
“You are welcome in my meadow any time.”
Everyone gathered up their stuff, took one more look around, and went and got Billy and Badger. They all went through the door. On the other side, they all thanked Anton, and he took the door back to Drago's place, shutting it behind him. The doors disappeared.
***
Abby said, “The castle is just over there; follow me.” They stepped out from the thick bushes that hid the door. There it was, the castle, looming like a menacing predator high up on the ridge overlooking the forest.
Billy said, “You've made it. I'm afraid this is as far as we can go. The challenge of the Castle of Madness is for you alone.”
Jo said, “Oh, no, will you be okay?”
Badger said, “Wheek,” and rubbed against her. Billy said, “We will be fine. This is where we live, and it is time for us to get back. We've both very much enjoyed meeting all of you and sharing in your adventure.”
Jo threw her arms around Billy's neck and started sobbing. “Will we ever see you again?”
“One never knows the answers to such questions, but I'd suspect you will. Guinea pigs never forget their friends.”
Stevie and George both patted Billy and Badger on their heads. Cindy said, “You've been good rodents to know,” as she smiled and hugged Billy.
Billy said, “Back at you.”
Everyone laughed. Abby took Billy's face in her hands and looked deep in his eyes. “I know we'll meet again. I can feel it.” She kissed his forehead.
There wasn't anything else to say, so Billy and Badger waddled off into the forest. All that was left was the castle.
***
Abby said, “Here, I'll make us some doors to get right up to the castle.”
Stevie put his hand on her arm. “Hold up. I think we should use a little caution.”
“Good point. Lead the way.”
Stevie took the front as they walked towards the bridge. After climbing up a slight incline, Stevie stopped and looked. The heavy black walls of the castle glistened from the rain. The bridge crossed a deep gorge. At the end of it was a gatehouse. The gate was up. The towers looked menacing, but there wasn't any sign of people.
Behind the walls, the massive castle climbed to the sky. Stevie said, “I guess this is it.”
Cindy said, “My staff is ready for whatever is in there.�
��
Abby notched an arrow and George held up his shield, sword at the ready. Jo fell in behind, armed with a spell she hoped might help.
They crept across the bridge in a single file towards the guardhouse. The cold wind whistled past them. Stevie, leading with his sword in both hands, crept in through the gatehouse door and found an empty room with nothing but two wooden chairs and a table with a thick layer of dust covering it. “It doesn't look like anyone has been here in a while.”
Abby said, “Let's keep moving then.”
Stevie continued on. They walked for another ten meters before the main gate. It was up, but only a couple of feet off the ground. Everyone had to crawl under. On the other side, there was a courtyard with a fountain in the center. A street lined with two story buildings on both sides made it look like a little ancient town. An old sign had a mug on it, another had a pair of crossed swords, and a third had a loaf of bread. There was a stable to the right and some bales of hay. They seemed out of place because they were fresh.
Abby said, “Look at the hay. It's fresh, but who's it for?”
Jo said, “Maybe they thought Billy and Badger would be coming with us.”
Cindy rolled her eyes and said, “I doubt that. Who expects a pair of giant guinea pigs to be stopping over for a little snack?”
Stevie said, “Look over there,” and pointed towards the bakery. The curtain seemed to rustle in the window. He whispered, “I don't think we're alone.”
Alouicious walked out from the bakery and waved, saying, “Children, you've made it. I was getting worried. I thought you'd be here a couple of days ago. There isn't much time left. Where are Billy and Badger? I put some hay out for them.”
Jo gave Cindy a satisfied look, but Cindy didn't see it as she was marching up to Alouicious. She poked him in his tweed vest and said, “We've been in the Pit of Woe! Where in the heck have you been? Isn't it your job to keep us from...you know...getting eaten by wolves?”
“The Pit of Woe, you say...hmmm. I don't believe that was on the agenda. Why did you go there?”
Cindy yelled, “We didn't choose to go there! It just sort of happened.”
Alouicious opened his leather book and flipped a few pages. “That is most unfortunate. I'll have to speak to Alphie about that. We can't have our children running off and playing around in places like that.”
Cindy’s face turned red. “Are you kidding me? We weren't playing around...”
Alouicious dismissed her rant with a wave of his hand and walked over to George. He circled him once then said, “You've been busy learning to use your sword and shield, haven't you?”
George said, “Well, I learned from...”
“And it seems that Stevie here has picked up a thing or two also. That is very interesting. I'm impressed that with everything else you have taken the initiative to...” He faded off and scratched his chin. “I wonder if I should, nah, but it might be,” he said aloud but obviously to himself. Alouicious smiled at Jo and asked, “Did you learn anything? Oh, wait, I can see that you did. It seems you all did. Good for you. I must note this for the council. They will be favorably impressed.”
Cindy was about to have another tantrum when Abby asked, “Did you say something about time running out?”
Alouicious looked up from his book. “Oh, yes, follow me, I'll show you the way into the castle. I really am impressed with how all of you have progressed. I do need to get it written down, though. One must keep records, you know.” He headed off without another word, walking and flipping pages in his book.
Stevie put an arm around the still fuming Cindy and whispered, “We’re almost done. Hang in there, girl.”
Cindy seemed like she wanted to smack Alouicious with her staff but calmed down as they walked towards the main part of the castle.
Alouicious didn't stop at the main doors, which had a massive chain through the handles, but continued around to the side. He stopped in front of a small wooden door, turned around, and said, “Okay, here we are.” He spread one arm in a grand gesture while holding onto his book with the other. He fished a big and very old looking key out of his pocket. “This castle is only used for the challenge each year. We keep it locked so that nothing nasty can sneak in and start nesting. You know how that is...”
The blank looks on their faces made it clear they didn't.
“Anyway...All you have to do is find the door that leads back to the stairs you chose when this whole thing began. That is all; should be a breeze. You've got six hours give or take. Any questions?”
Stevie raised his hand.
“Yes?”
“That lock that has been protecting the castle from being infested by things that nest - does it look anything like the one lying on the ground?”
Alouicious turned around and looked down. He spun back to face them and said, “Ah, well, I'm sure it's nothing. Here you go; have fun. I'll be rooting for you.” He opened the door and stood to the side to let them walk through.
As they each passed Alouicious, they all gave him dirty looks except for Jo. She patted him on the arm and said, “You are doing fine. See you on the stairs.” He smiled at her.
The moment Jo was through the door, it slammed shut.
***
They stood in a dusty hallway with doors on either side. Cindy said, “This place is filthy.”
Abby asked, “Were should we begin?”
Stevie said, “I suppose we should check the doors and see if there is anything that looks like it might be our way out.”
George opened the door next to him and said, “It looks like a storage room.”
Abby tried the handle on the other door. “It's locked. Let's keep looking. I doubt it would be behind the second place we looked.”
Stevie said, “You know they've got something else planned for us. Keep your eyes open and stay together.”
George replied, “In the movies someone always wanders off or falls behind and that's how they get in trouble.”
“This isn't the movies, nobody is going to get lost...wait, where's Jo?” Cindy said.
Jo said, “I'm right behind you.”
Abby said, “Stevie is right. We need to stay together.”
Stevie said, “Everyone, let's keep moving but stay in the group. George, you take the rear and keep your eyes open.”
George got behind Jo, and they continued down the hall in a line. At the end, there were three steps up to a cross hallway. To the left were two more doors and on the right were stairs. Stevie went left and checked both doors. “Nothing here.”
The stairs led to a big, heavy door. Stevie had to lean into it to make the door move. With a high-pitched creak, it gave way. They were standing in a huge kitchen. Pots, pans, plates, and bowls were strewn about everywhere. A crate was broken up on the floor. Stevie held up his hand and whispered, “Did you hear that?”
Abby said, “I didn't hear anything.”
“It sounded like something scurrying away.”
Cindy yelped, “Rats! It's rats. I hate rats. Gross.”
Stevie said, “Quiet! It wasn't rats...at least, I hope not.”
The door on the other side of the kitchen was propped open by an old iron. Stevie looked out into the hallway. It was dark and hard to see. All seemed quiet, though, so he continued on. The dining room had a long thin table with space for ten chairs on each side and one on each end, but there weren't any chairs. On the wall hung portraits, which looked like they were hundreds of years old. The eyes seemed to follow them as they walked through the room.
A pair of pocket doors at the far side of the room was open by about a foot. Stevie stopped. Everyone heard it - a chattering sound from the next room. It wasn't loud, but the sound was obvious. There were two of something talking with one another in some strange language.
Stevie used hand signals that were generally reserved for military Special Forces...or video gamers...or kids who watched too many war movies. Everyone understood. Abby stood back on the left, an
d Cindy stood on the right. George and Stevie stood on either side of the door. Jo stayed behind Stevie.
Stevie eased the door open another foot until it was easy to see what was going on in the other room. It was a sitting room with a big fireplace. The warm light from the fire showed a small encampment made in the middle of the room. A wall of furniture had been created with chairs tied together. A big, high-back chair was on each end of the wall, and on each chair, peering over the wall, was a tiny green head wearing strange goggles. Each of them had a spear in their hand. Neither of the guards seemed to notice the door had moved.
The voices came from behind the makeshift wall. It sounded like there were three of the creatures discussing something. Stevie saw a door in the room to the right of the fireplace. The dining room had another set of doors. It seemed reasonable that they could just go around the room with the green little creatures. Stevie made a hand gesture to retreat. The movement caught the eye of the guard on the right.
He screamed in a high-pitched wail. A spear whistled past Stevie's ear, and another stuck into the doorframe just above where George stood. The room erupted in ferocious battle cries. The three tiny warriors who had been talking bounded over the walls and rushed them.
Abby didn't hesitate; she loosed her arrow and struck one of the chair guards square in the chest. Cindy pointed her staff at the wall and a bolt of lightning crackled through the air. The chairs splintered, knocking down the other guard who had thrown a spear.
George didn't hesitate. He pulled the door on his side all the way open, stepped in, and took a blow from the lead attacker. Just as Drago has said, the lack of sound startled his attacker, and George thrust his sword into its shoulder. “Take that you filthy Goblin.”
The creature jumped backwards, spun around, and swung from the other direction. George easily parried the blow and countered. Stevie didn't hesitate, either, and took on the next attacker. His strength was too much for his foe. The first swing, though blocked by the goblin, knocked the creature to the ground.
Secret Doors: The Challenge Page 13
