Star and Marco vs Evil Book 3

XI

It had taken a year of planning, then months of execution, but the day had finally arrived. The entire Johansen field army had snuck piecemeal into the Monster Kingdom, consolidating on this day at Monster Castle. It was a surprise for an entire army to go undetected for months, in territory that was supposed to be entirely bereft of Mewmans, even when scattered until now. Nonetheless, nobody really questioned what led to the plan's success.

Nobody except Nova. She didn't voice her suspicions, as she had never regained full trust in Star and Marco, but it didn't really matter ... whether due to brilliance in planning and execution, or due to inside help, they were here and nothing could stop them now.

Unless it was a trap. Nova chose to ignore that misgiving, except for being extra careful to make sure there was a solid plan for withdrawal and good lines of retreat.

The bulk of the Monster army was in the field, engaging the full might of the Grand Armee of the Dominion of Demons. Tom was excellent at politics ... a weird departure from the Tom that Nova had known ... and over many months had artfully set up a political and military situation that looked entirely organic and not suspicious at all.

Although Nova still did not know the true reason behind his title, "The Enchanter," she could believe it was due to political mastery and deception. He had certainly enchanted the minds of the generals and ministers of the Monster Kingdom, including King Toffee himself.

Nova turned from watching the Monster Kingdom's capitol. Her generals knew their roles so they were with their commands, readying to execute Nova's battle plan. It was time to let Star and Marco in on the full operation. "Okay, you two, I lied ... shocking, I know."

Star and Marco, like Nova in light battle armor, looked at each other in confusion.

"The three of us, plus nine of our best skirmishers, will enter the castle, while the rest of our troops demonstrate outside to draw out as many guards and soldiers as possible. You will escort me to the entrance of the castle catacomb; there you will hold, guarding the entrance until I return. We cannot fail in this; if we are discovered, you must stand and fight to give me the time I need."

"What's in the catacomb, my queen?" Marco inquired.

Nova smiled. "We may all die today, we may reset the timeline today, so screw protocol ... please call me Elf."

"Alright, Elf, but you didn't answer my question."

"It's need to know, and ..."

Star crossed her arms and said, "Elf, we need to know. Battles seldom go as planned, so we need to know the goal if we're going to properly adjust."

Nova paused a few seconds, chewing on her bottom lip. She decided it was worth the risk ... she doubted they would encounter children or anything else that would cause Star and Marco to interfere.

"The Butterfly wand is in the catacomb."

"What?!" Star and Marco yelled, in unison.

"Quiet, idiots!"

Once they were all certain the outburst had not compromised their position, Nova continued, "When Marco and I were captured, I saw the same graffiti in multiple places, as if somebody was desperate that it be seen. It said, 'Pyörä on Alamossa, kellarissa,' which is Finnish for, 'The bike is at The Alamo, in the basement.'"

"Wait ... that's from a movie, isn't it?" Star asked. Marco and Nova nodded. "But who ..."

"Janna," Marco interjected.

"I think so," Nova responded. "On a lark we had taught ourselves Finnish ... don't ask why ... and even if a Monster could read it, it's doubtful they'd understand its meaning. I admit, it's a bit of a stretch, but I can't think of what else it could possibly mean."