Tommy was not so lucky. He found everything except the moonbow frog. “What if this thing...” Splash! Tommy turned his face as he flipped over another rock, “...doesn’t even exist?”
“Why would the mummy lie to us? He’s obviously in pain, and I’m pretty sure he doesn’t want to live in a tree...”
“He could be hallucinating. Who knows what the ranger...” Splash “...gave him? I’ve turned over a hundred rocks and found nothing but weird slug creatures and a couple of snakes.”
“Didn’t he say logs too?” asked Eevie.
Tommy warily looked up the riverbed. He despised the thought of trudging through the forest again, looking under decaying logs. After lifting enough logs to build a modest home, he finally uncovered the evasive moonbow frog.
“Yes, found you!” Tommy exclaimed excitedly. The frog was stunning. The blues and yellows were so vibrant that they looked unreal. The spectacular amphibian was much larger than he expected, about the size and shape of an avocado sliced down the middle.
Without moving his eyes from the frog, Tommy carefully took off his backpack, reached inside, and grabbed a shirt. He crouched, then dove toward the frog, trapping it.
“Got him!” yelled Tommy. “I got him.”
Eevie rushed over to Tommy, placing the adamas flowers on the ground. She selected the healthiest looking specimen from the bunch.
Tommy crouched once again, grabbing a water bottle and duct tape from his backpack. Eevie looked at him, a confused expression on her face.
“We don’t have any place to put the tear drops, so I’m gonna catch them in this,” said Tommy, holding up the bottle top. “Then I’ll seal it with a piece of duct tape.”
“I’m impressed...,” said Eevie.
“Eevie, when you look at me, you should expect greatness. Surprise simply tells me you doubt my ability to succeed.”
“I’m at a loss for words...”
“Again, it’s being in the presence of...”
“Oh my God, Tommy, just grab the frog!”
Tommy startled and then reluctantly picked up the frog. Immediately, a pungent odor filled the air.
“Tommy!” yelled Eevie. “Why?”
“It wasn’t me,” said Tommy, looking incredulously at Eevie. “It was the frog!”
Disgust crossed both of their faces as a huge wet spot appeared, soaking through the fabric of Tommy’s shirt.
“And...that would be the poison he was talking about,” said Eevie matter-of-factly.
“Great,” said Tommy as he rotated the frog so they were eye to eye. Eevie carefully pinched off the top of the flower from the stem. Sure enough, a sticky white string dangled from the base of the flower. Eevie slowly and gently pulled. The string broke free from the flower, and at the end, a single drop of nectar glistened.
The frog’s eyes grew twice their normal size, as he stared hungrily at the drop of nectar. Tommy moved the frog toward Eevie’s hand, but before he could blink, the frog’s tongue flicked out and grabbed the drop of nectar, sucking it into its mouth.
“Woah...that was impressive,” said Tommy. The frog became very still. Immediately, dark green liquid began flowing from its eyes.
Tommy placed the cap under the frog’s eye, capturing as much of the liquid as possible. He gently sat the frog down where he had found him. They had succeeded in filling the bottle cap halfway.
“I hope that’s enough to cure the mummy,” Eevie said.
“I bet you never thought you’d say those words,” laughed Tommy.
“It’s a person trapped inside all of those roots and branches—we can’t just leave him.”
“I know,” said Tommy, placing a small piece of duct tape securely across the top of the cap. “Right now, I just want to wash the poison off my hands and get moving before it’s dark. We’ve been out here for hours.”
They headed back to see the mummy. After Tommy face-planted twice, a victim of more amorous vegetation, Eevie was assigned the honor of entrusted bottle cap carrier.
They suffered for what seemed hours, enduring what could only be described as plant abuse, before they arrived at the tree. Both the mummy and tree were just how they had left them.
“He looks comfy.” The mummy appeared startled upon hearing Tommy’s voice.
“Did you get the antidote?” the mummy rasped.
“We did,” said Eevie as she cautiously removed the tape from the bottle cap, careful not to spill a single drop. She placed her hand on the mummy’s shoulder, steadying herself, as she pulled at the vines covering his mouth.
“OK, I’m going to attempt to get this in your mouth,” she said, her calmness betrayed by the quiver in her voice. She touched the cap to where she thought his lips would be, and poured until more than half of the liquid was gone.
Eevie stepped back from the tree, not knowing what to expect. Immediately, the vines began to turn black, then fall away. Before them stood what could only be described as a living skeleton. His hairless, white skin was so thin and dry that it seemed impossible that it could contain the bones encased within without tearing. It was inconceivable that this man could still be alive. He slowly opened his eyes, his pupils abnormally large and black, and whispered, “More.”
There was nothing in Eevie’s mind to prepare her for this. She had never seen another human being this close to death, so horrifically emaciated. Numbly, she stepped forward, moved the cap to his lips once again, and poured a tiny rivulet of antidote, which glistened like a green emerald in the corner of his pale, cracked lips.
“Thank you,” breathed the withered man.
“You’re welcome,” said Eevie, kindly. “May I ask your name?”
“Vayne,” he said simply, not inquiring the same of Eevie and Tommy.
“You said a sorceress did this to you. Who is she? Does the man who gave you the potion earlier today work for her?”
The man hesitated before answering, then looked directly into Eevie’s eyes. “You will soon find there is an evil here...an evil that cannot be destroyed. Many have tried, like me, but she is too powerful. She has destroyed all who oppose her in this world, and now...she will destroy your world.”
“Has anyone here considered anger management?” Tommy asked. “There is so much hostility? Maybe some mindfulness? Meditation...?”
Eevie glared at Tommy.
“What?” he asked with a bewildered look on his face. “It has its merits.”
Eevie turned her attention back to Vayne. “What about the man—the man who gave you the potion earlier?” she inquired. “Who is he?”
“Maleficum.” The man spat out his name in disgust. “He is an assassin, the most evil of demons. Thousands have died at his hands...thousands.”
Ranger Rick has killed thousands of people? Tommy mused to himself. Who knew? He seems like such a nice guy.
As the man spoke, he began to transform. A few vines still clung to his arms and to his body, but it was obvious they were weakening. Black striations began to appear in the roots and vines, like bruised veins. Dark hair began to grow on the man’s head, and his body began to change, becoming muscular and vibrant.
Within minutes the man had transformed from a skeleton into a healthy-looking man in his late thirties. A smile stretched across his face, as he sucked deep breaths into his lungs. He looked down at his hands, opening and closing them, obviously pleased at his metamorphosis.
“There seems to be a little magic left in these vines,” he said, working to free his arms. His voice surprised Tommy. It was now strong and even. “Can you help break me free?”
“Uhm... sure,” said Tommy, apprehensively. Something inside his stomach told him this was a bad idea. Eevie and Tommy pulled at the last remaining vines that imprisoned him. The man’s eyes dropped to Tommy’s hand. “That’s an interesting ring,” he said, smiling.
A strange chill ran through Tommy. “A friend gave it to me.”
“I see...�
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Tommy’s heart began to pound in his temples. He knew that the man didn’t believe him.
“Eevie, I think it’s time we get back to...”
Vayne interrupted Tommy midsentence. “You want to know why the sorceress’s evil can never be destroyed?” He didn’t wait for an answer. His face filled with a horrific grin. “Because I kill everyone who tries to stop her.”
Vayne ripped free from the tree, brutally grabbing Eevie by the neck. With superhuman strength, he began crushing her throat. Tommy reached into his belt, grabbing his knife, then thrust it into the man’s side.
Cold black blood rushed down searing Tommy’s hand. The man screamed and lashed out with his arm, catching Tommy hard across his face. The salty taste of blood filled Tommy’s mouth.
Eevie viciously kicked Vayne in the stomach. He lost his footing and crashed backwards into the tree.
“Occludo!” screamed Tommy. “Occludo!”
Vayne screamed as the tree began closing around him. Tommy and Eevie raced away toward the forest. Seconds later, a powerful scream ripped through the air as Vayne literally exploded from the tree. In a flash, he was gaining on them.
“Wand!” The wand suddenly appeared in Eevie’s hand, vibrating and ready for action.
Surprise filled the man’s face, and he quickly darted behind a tree for cover. Eevie screamed the spell she had heard the ranger use to vaporize the remains of the animal he’d eaten. “Exscindo!”
Nothing happened. “Exscindo!” she said more forcefully. She stared at her hand in disbelief. “Awe, come on! Tommy, nothing is working!” cried Eevie.
Sneering, the man stepped out from behind the tree. “Poor human,” he laughed. “I’m going to tear that wand from your hand!” His words both frightened and angered Eevie.
She whirled again, facing Vayne, and screamed, “Expelliarmus!” A bush next to Tommy exploded, raining down bits of rock and roots onto him.
“What are you doing?” yelled Tommy as he covered his head. “This isn’t Harry Potter—this is real life, Eevie! You’re gonna get us killed!”
“Sorry, we can’t outrun him, Tommy. He’s way too fast.”
“Eevie, I have a plan,” said Tommy between breaths as they raced through the forest. “That huge rock,” he said, pointing ahead. “Take this.” He tore off his hoodie and backpack and handed them to her. “Prop my hoodie up, so it looks like I’m hiding with you.”
“Got it!” said Eevie as she grabbed the balled-up hoodie.
“He’ll come to you,” Tommy said. “When he does, I need you to do the illumination spell to distract him. Aim at his face! I’ll have a special surprise for him.”
Eevie tore off through the woods. She slid behind the rock, just as Vayne came into view. Taking a stick, she put it in the hood of Tommy’s hoodie and raised it just enough for it to be visible as he approached. Using the stick, she moved it like a puppeteer.
Eevie could hear the man approaching. She fought to control her breathing and to calm herself. She whispered the word “wand,” closed her eyes for a brief second, and then whispered a self-reassuring “thank you.”
Crouching, she used the stone to pull herself up onto the balls of her feet. She could hear Vayne’s breathing and the crackling of dry leaves and sticks as he approached. Where is Tommy? I hope he’s ready!
“Oh, I wonder where they are,” laughed Vayne as he approached the rock. “I know you don’t know how to work your wand, little girl.” He spoke evilly.
Eevie jumped up and screamed, “Lucis Orbem!” The man sneered and merely swatted her spell aside like an annoying insect.
“Is that the best you’ve got? An illumination spell?” His voice dripped with disdain.
“We freed you. Why are you after us?” asked Eevie earnestly. “We could have let you die!”
“Tsk, tsk.... Your friend tried to warn you. Seems like he’s the better judge of character,” Vayne smiled, cruelly taunting her. “And where is that brave little boy who sends you out to battle? Cowering behind the rock?” Vayne laughed patronizingly. “No matter.” His smile turned evil as he raised his hand toward Eevie.
“You see, I don’t need a wand.” He paused, clearly enjoying the moment. “You had your turn—now it’s my turn.... Voski...”
Vayne never got a chance to finish his curse. He did, however, meet the full impact of Tommy’s body weight, as he came crashing down from the tree above, slamming onto Vayne’s head and shoulders. Vayne’s body collapsed to the ground in a heap.
“I may not know magic, but I know gravity,” smiled Tommy.
Tommy quickly jumped to his feet. “Eevie, help me! Get the rope from my backpack.”
While Eevie grabbed the rope, Tommy hooked his hands under Vayne’s armpits and dragged him to a small tree. Quickly she looped the rope around him several times; then, pulling it tight, she secured him to the tree.
“Enjoy your stay...we know how much you like trees,” Eevie said condescendingly, patting him on the head.
It wasn’t thirty seconds later as they ran through the forest that they heard an angry scream, followed by a flash of light.
“I’m guessing that was a ‘break free from the ropes’ spell,” puffed Eevie as she dodged trees and roots. “Probably not a good thing.”
“Neither is that,” said Tommy, pointing at the clearing that lay just ahead of them.
“We can stick along the outside perimeter of the forest so we’re not as visible. Which way should we go?” asked Eevie.
“Let’s go left.” Tommy looked at Eevie, who seemed to expect an explanation. “It just feels right.”
They ran quickly, hugging the shadows that extended just beyond the edge of the forest. Slam! Simultaneously they both fell to the ground.
“Ugh,” moaned Eevie, who slowly sat up.
Tommy was on his hands and knees, rubbing his forehead. “What happened?”
“Hurry, hurry! Get inside!” a woman’s voice urgently beckoned.
Tommy looked at Eevie. “You heard that, right?” he said.
Suddenly a woman’s arm and face appeared, hovering in space above them.
“Hurry, come inside or you’ll be seen! Now, or he will kill you!” she demanded.
Eevie and Tommy stepped into nothingness, via an invisible door.
The Snake Is Hiss-tory!
Eevie and Tommy stood inside a small cabin. From where they stood they could see a kitchen, a hallway, and a study filled with books and all types of glass cylinders and vials. The house smelled like gingerbread and coffee. For the moment, they felt safe.
“Thank you,” stammered Eevie, confused and disoriented. “What just happened?”
“I’m Cassara, and I’m pretty sure that my ex-husband fooled you two into setting him free from his imprisonment.”
“The mummy is your ex-husband?” stammered Eevie.
“Yes, Vayne tried to poison me when I wouldn’t swear my allegiance to Severin.”
“Sorry about that,” said Tommy quietly. “We saw Maleficum giving him a potion...we thought he was a good guy.”
Cassara smiled at Tommy. “It’s hard to know who to trust,” she said. Cassara wore her blondish brown hair pulled into a tight ponytail, revealing a kind face and intelligent eyes that gave the appearance of someone who had seen too much.
Eevie felt an immediate connection. Cassara moved with efficiency and authority, the traits of a person who knows how to get things done.
Cassara paused for a moment as if deep in thought. “I don’t mean to be impolite, but we haven’t much time,” she said. She turned and placed her hand on the wall. Instantly the wall became transparent, enabling them to see the forest and the field.
“Now quickly, tell me who you are and why you are here.”
Eevie introduced herself and Tommy. She quickly told her about the clues her grandfather had left for her and what she had found. She showed Cassara the book, and told her how th
ey had used the astrolabe to solve the code and decrypt the spells. And when Eevie whispered the word “wand,” tears slowly fell from Cassara’s eyes.
“Finally,” whispered Cassara, touching Eevie’s shoulder. “Finally, there’s hope.”
“May I please ask a question about the wand?”
No longer speaking, Cassara stared intently at Tommy’s hand. He lifted his hand and, suddenly, the serpent’s eyes opened!
“Who gave you that ring?!” asked Cassara, spitting out the words.
“No one!” said Tommy, jumping back from her accusatory stare.
“What do you mean no one?” she said, jerking Tommy by the arm, pulling him into the room with potions and vials.
“Hey!” said Tommy, confused. “What are you doing?”
A twisted wand made of silver and gold sprang from Cassara’s hand. She held it to the hollow of Tommy’s throat. “Why do you have the ring of the dark sorceress?”
“Woah,” said Tommy, pulling his arm free. “No one gave me this ring. I got this stupid ring trying to rescue me and Eevie from an underground labyrinth. If you didn’t solve the riddles, you would die. I stupidly put my finger in a hole thinking there was a lever or some kind of button, and instead...” Tommy paused and looked at his finger, “...I’ve been cursed with this thing ever since.”
“I tried to destroy it,” spoke up Eevie. “I had one as well. When it came into contact with my wand, it was destroyed. I tried using my wand on Tommy’s ring, but nothing happened.”
“Cassara, what’s going on?” pleaded Tommy, urgently.
“It’s a tracker,” whispered Cassara. “The eyes are the eyes of the sorceress...and now...she knows that I’m alive.”
Tommy’s heart broke. Tears poured down his cheeks. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.”
“I know you didn’t.” Cassara’s face grew firm. “We need to destroy this ring.”
Cassara led Tommy over to a wooden table filled with assorted jars and bottles. She stretched his arm across the table, turning his palm face down. Instantly, sweat covered Tommy’s forehead, and his mouth went dry.
Quest Chasers: The Screaming Mummy (A Magic Fantasy Adventure Book Series) Page 11
