The Shadow WIthin (Book 2)

Chapter 14: The Oh-So Scary 'Monster'

Fawn POV

"So, umm, hi guys." Leonard said. "I am your host for this, sort of tour?"

"Hey umm," I interrupted. "Would it be ok to call you Leo?"

"Uh, yeah sure, whatever." Leo said, gesturing to the landscape. "I'm just your tour guide."

"Hey, can we go visit the marketplace?" Kai asked, while Sparrow nodded his head furiously. I supposed he had a very strange feeling to go to the marketplace.

"You sure about that?" Leo said, rubbing his arm hesitantly. "It's not exactly welcome to newcomers."

"Whatever, I really don't care." Cara whined. "Can we go now?"

"You sure you're up for this?" Leo asked again, an edge of concern climbing into his response.

"Yes! We already said that!" I said loudly, exasperated. "Look, we've been attacked by Notch several times, not to mention that I've been stripped of my powers and I still somehow manage to survive everyday with everyone here also safe. Do you think we can't handle on small marketplace?!"

Leo looked unsure to answer. If a skeleton could ever look uncomfartable, it would probably describe the look on Leo's face. Leo's face was ever so slightly red and his bones quivered. The iron helmet that was on his head managed to slip downward, and he didn't bother to put it upright.

"Well, I supposed you could handle it." Leo said slowly. "But don't wander off; it's easy to get distracted."

He waved his hand in the air, and I think it was a signal of a sort that other wither skeletons could understand, because one that was tending to some Netherwart rushed over to Leo. It whispered something in his year, and he nodded in understanding. With another hand signal, the skeleton grinned and ran away, a coin glistening in its grasp.

"Uh, what was that all about?" Kai asked.

"Oh the hand motions?" Leo asked, and Kai nodded. "That's the way I communicate with Artumm, one of the few deaf skeletons. Everyone learns hand motions in order to communicate and to speak in case there is ever a time when no one can make noise."

"Yeah, but what about the marketplace?" I asked. "Is there some pass code to get in?"

"Actually, you're right!" Leo exclaimed. "How did you figure that out?"

I tapped my head. "It's called, guessing , genius."

"Well, I'm going to ignore what you said last, but the secret word is 'Netherwart'." Leo said, gesturing to us. We all proceeded to stare at him blankly.

"You, don't know what to do, do you?" Leo said.

"No, not really." I said. "I wonder why."

Just before Leo could say anything, I heard the familiar swoosh of wings and felt hot air swirled around me and I could hear Kai and Sparrow jump in surprise only to see Angel. Meanwhile, it didn't look like Leo was doing well. He scrambled backwards and crawled to the nearest house. When he reached it, he ran behind it and stared cautiously at us.

"It's the end." Leo wailed "We're all going to die!!"

"Oh my Notch, just relax!" I said. "Angel's a friend."

"No," Leo said, his voice shaking. "It's a monster that's going to kill us all!"

"That is very rude." Angel snorted. "He doesn't even know me. I'd love to destroy him outright now."

"And what good would that do?" I said. "Do you want us all to be consider fugitives and have Notch and the Wither Kingdom out for our blood."

"I suppose." Angel murmured. "But he better not hurt you or the rest of your friends or there will be some sort of bone-shed. Get it, bone shed. Skeletons, bones."

"I get it." I said.  "Now don't scare him."

"Ok, now, can we go to the marketplace?" I asked, gesturing to Angel. "He won't harm you."

"Yet." Leo hissed. "Fine, but if that thing tries to hurt anyone, it's going to face the Wither King's sword. Just say, I wish to go to the market's insert the key phrase here, and you should appear there. Now, who's going first?"

"I guess I'll do first." I said, sidling up next to Leo. I took a deep breath and said the words. "I wish to go to the market's Netherwart."

And immediately, with a swirl of red and orange sparks, I disappeared.