* * *
“The philosophy enclave again?” said Sawyer as they approached.
“Well,” said Nora, “we don’t know if there’s a portal. We only know that Catling’s loose. Maybe she wandered down here on her own.” She called for the cat-duck, as they made their way into the main fire pit area of the philosophy enclave.
They were greeted by Alexander, Owen, and several other members of the security enclave. Owen was holding Catling in his arms.
“Hi there,” said Alexander. “Looks like Catling did a good job for us. We found this portal before the influence did. We’re going to go through and seal it up before any damage gets done.”
“So there is a portal?” asked Maddie.
Alexander pointed.
Sure enough, right next to the fire pit was a small rip in the ground. Through it, they could see a brilliant white light. It looked strange to Nora, because the ground looked paper thin, like a piece of fabric. It was even stranger to know that she could dig a hole right next to it and she’d see dirt, not light. It didn’t seem to make sense.
Owen came over to Nora and handed her Catling. “Guess your pet cut off the excitement, huh? Most of Helicon won’t even know the portal was here.”
Nora took the cat-duck back, stroking her head. She didn’t respond to Owen.
“How are you?” asked Owen.
She stared straight ahead.
“Nora,” said Owen, “can’t we even have a friendly conversation anymore?”
“Leave her alone,” Sawyer growled, wedging himself in front of Nora.
Owen rolled his eyes. “Whatever. I guess I can’t get past your tranny bulldog, can I?”
Nora’s jaw dropped. “Don’t you ever say something like that about Sawyer again.”
Alexander took Owen by the arm. “Come on, Owen. Let’s fix this portal.”
Owen glowered at Nora, but let Alexander lead him away. The muse police leapt into the portal and disappeared.
“I can’t believe he said that,” said Nora, fuming.
“I’ve heard way worse,” said Sawyer. “He’s mad at you, not me.”
“He’s a jerk,” said Maddie.
“Did you hear what he said earlier?” said Sawyer. “About how the excitement got cut off?”
Nora shook her head. “I don’t even want to think about him anymore. Let’s get Catling back to the tent.” She started to walk.
Sawyer came after her. “Why would he call it excitement, huh? That’s a weird word to use, don’t you think?”
Maddie brought up the rear. “You think Owen’s opening the portals now?”
“Well, he’s kind of a jerk, isn’t he?” said Sawyer.
“You thought it was Dionysus before,” said Maddie. “And what about what Jolie just told us, about Phoebe and Dionysus dating. Doesn’t what they were saying to each other at May Day make much more sense?”
“Dionysus isn’t here anymore,” said Sawyer.
“Dionysus wasn’t here when any of the portals were opened,” said Maddie, “but that doesn’t mean he didn’t do it. From what we heard Phoebe tell Dionysus, it sounded obvious it was him. And if they actually did date each other, then it explains why she protected him.”
“I don’t know,” said Sawyer. “She’s with Coeus now. Why would she still want to protect Dionysus? When we heard them talking, they sounded really pissed at each other. Maybe it is Owen. Maybe it’s been him the whole time.”
“Nora, you always said it couldn’t be Owen,” said Maddie. “Have you changed your mind about him now?”
Nora shrugged. “I don’t see why it matters so much one way or another. No one got hurt. The portal is being closed right now. The Influence didn’t get through. I mean, honestly, if the people in charge of Helicon can’t figure out who’s creating these portals, then I don’t see why we think we’ll be able to.” She walked faster. She only wanted back in her tent, away from everything.
Dancing Days Page 36
