The Moon Calls

51

"So...you got a headache?" Hugo asked, gently stroking Varian's glowing streak.

"Nope, just glowing. We...uh...talked last night. I..." He sighed. "I called her 'mother', said I loved her. She made me do Rapunzel's and Gothel's thing word-for-word."

''Thing'?" Eugene asked.

"Oh, Varian..." Rapunzel walked over and pulled him close. "That must've been so painful for you to do..."

He shrugged. "If it makes the trip otherwise easier, I'll manage. Come on, let's get some breakfast and then get out of here."

"Yeah, I've had enough of this creepy place with mirrors I can't safely look into." Eugene nodded firmly.

They headed down the hall from their rooms and into the kitchen, where Matthews was finishing up with setting the table.

"Ah, good morning! I waz about to wake you." He said pleasantly. "Breakfast iz ready."

"Thank you!" Rapunzel said cheerfully.

"We're planning to leave today, since the storm is most likely over. Thank you for your hospitality during our stay." Andrew said politely as they all sat down to eat.

"One has to wonder what the rush is." Matthew sremarked.

"We're on an important journey." Varian replied. "One that we have to be hurrying along with."

"Oh, very well. Do be careful on the road." He smiled and walked out of the room.

"...Something about him makes me feel gross." Juniper frowned, watching him go.

"Like, 'talking to KingTrevor' gross?" Andrew asked teasingly.

"No, like...like 'stepping into a slimy cave barefoot' gross." She shuddered.

"You are feeling his magic." Clementine said calmly. "It is stronger today than yesterday."

"Can you sense what kind yet?" Andrew asked her.

She pursed her lips. "It's not...anything I have sensed before. But...it's definitely dark."

"Let's just finish eating and get outta here." Eugene said. "Let's not worry about dark magic right now, we've got the Moonstone to worry about."

"Right." Rapunzel nodded firmly.

They finished eating and then headed for the door. "Well, I don't know about you all, but I am ready to get back on the road!" Eugene said as they walked down the stairs to the foyer.

"...Uh, guys?" Hugo stopped short. "...Where's the door?"

"Oh no." Varian groaned.

Where there was once a door was now a smooth, empty wall. They walked over to it and Clementine placed her hands against it, focusing. "It's certainly gone, as if it was never there."

"Was it the sorcerer?" Andrew frowned.

"Alright, that's it!" Eugene declared. "We're gonna find that guy and make him let us go!"

"I knew he didn't feel right." Juniper rubbed at her arms.

"Everyone, be on your guard. And, no matter what, do not split up." Andrew said firmly.

"We're in a magical house thatapparently doesn't want us to leave. I don't think we'll have much choice in the matter on that." Donella sighed.

"You know, we should've stayed in the caravan." Hugo sighed. "This place was sketchy from the start."

"Well, there has to be another exit! Or, maybe the door just moved!" Rapunzel insisted.

"Or maybe we need to find the sorcerer and beat him up!" Juniper slammed her fist into her hand.