Magic Tree House: The Return of the Three Keepers

Chapter Six: A Sworen Promise

Eva looked at Sasha's stiff and hidden posture. Vicky and the man snook swift glances when she thought her back was turned.
"It's a funeral procession!" said Vicky with realization flashing excitedly in her gold eyes as she watched the procession.
Eva turned her head to look at the man.
"Is your sister in that box? asked Eva.
The man looked at her, and though he didn't answer, Eva could see sadness in his eyes. He pointed towards the pyramid again.
Eva and her sisters looked up at the man, then back to the procession. The golden box seemed to shine in the sunlight.
"Oh wow! Look Jack!" Annie's voice made them stiffened with surprise and looked up at the palm tree. Annie was hanging out of tree house window, gazing at the procession and the pyramid in the distance.
Jack joined her at the window. "It's the picture from the book." They heard him say.
Eva glanced back at the parade, then squinted at the sun. The people and the sled were suddenly are becoming much harder to see.
"Help." whispered the man again, then Eva and Vicky shivered as another cold wave crept through them.
Look we want to help you, really we do. But in case you haven't noticed, we're cats. I don't know how we can help you. said Eva softly and sadly, her tail was lowered as she looked back at the man. She wanted to help, but she remembered Aunt Anya's instructions.
"Wait." said Sasha, her voice was clear and filled courage and determination.
She stepped towards the man and the two of them held each other's gazes for a while. But then Sasha blinked, freeing him. The man gulped nervously as Sasha put a gentle paw on the man's broad chest. Sasha lifted her paw and on the man's chest was a stunning blue paw print of a cat.
She stepped back from the man and looked at Eva and Vicky.
"Vicky, Eva. said Sasha firmly to them in their minds, her firm voice echoed in their heads. "Remember what I had said. We mustn't show our fears to this man of nobility. We must show our courage, wisdom, and guidance of any warrior of heart would do. For he needs our help, and that's what we are going to do."
"But we need to keep an eye on our cousins." objected Vicky.
"Please." begged the man.
"We shall do both." said Eva, she bowed her head to Sasha.
Sasha nodded to the man with a smile. But before their eyes, he suddenly vanished.
Eva and Vicky jumped backwards, with wide eyes.
Where did he go!? meowed Eva, she and Vicky glanced around wildly, but the man was nowhere in sight. The cold feeling remained, and Eva and Vicky shivered despite the heat.
Sasha smiled mysteriously at them, Eva wondered if Sasha knew something that they didn't. Sasha's brilliant eyes sparkled mysteriously as she sat down and watched them with a knowing smile.
A mirage? thought Eva, she saw Sasha purring. Or ghost?