Into the Unknown- Book II of the Journey Series

Chapter 36

=Jack=

We entered the Pole through the hole im the glacier where North's sleigh takes off. I figured that was a safer bet since it was way closer to the stables, so the dragons can rest a bit there. Hopefully one of the yetis can find a vacant stall or two, or maybe a huge space in a corner somewhere that they can all fit.

When we landed next to the large wooden double doors which leads to the inside of the workshop, I wasn't surprised to find Phil with a couple of yetis behind him. That yeti really has it out for me or something. Which I don't mind really. Gets kind of boring when it's only Bunny that I can piss off.

"Hey Phil. I'm back." I greeted him with a smirk as I hopped down from Iceblade.

He started grumbling in gibberish, and thanks to North, I understand it. But, I can't speak it.

"Yes, I know what it looks like. And yes, I am aware that I brought dragons here. And how do you know they're vikings?" I said to him.

He replied in gibberish again, which I do get the context, but not the actual words. Honestly, I don't know how I know what they are saying. I just do when they do. I guess its a guardian thing. I'm not sure.

"Oh, okay. That makes sense. Now, I promise the dragons will behave. I'll explain everything when we meet North. Just.... help me get these dragons into a pen somewhere so they can rest." I breathed out, my eyes pleading to Phil.

Phil just sighed and nodded before he directed some of the Yetis to herd the dragons into a pen.

"Where are they taking them?" Heather asked me.

"Somewhere they can rest for a while. Don't worry, these are the stables for flying reindeer. So, the dragons should fit in just fine." I assured them.

"Wait... flying reindeer?" Dagur asked.

"And how can you understand what.... they are saying?" Skylar added, clearly referring to the Yetis.

"I'll explain later. Just... follow me. I'll take you to my wing here where you can rest and warm up. I'll leave you there for a while, while I talk to North." I just told them as I led them through the workshop towards my wing.

Thankfully, they didn't say anything more.

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I was a nervous wreck. Heather and her family were napping in the drawing room of the Frost Wing after I sent for Phil to fetch North. I was pacing outside the door, wracking my brain for what to say.

If this were any other circumstance, I wouldn't even tell him. But, I needed to tell him everything because clearly, there is something very wrong. There was something missing, and I need help figuring it out.

Heavy footsteps echoed around the hallway, and I knew them anywhere.

"Jack. What is going on? Why are you back? Why is Phil such a mess?" He asked me, clearly worried.

"Oh man. Where do I begin?" I sighed as I pinched the bridge of my nose.

Well, how about when I first left the Pole a few days ago.

"Let's see. First, there was a terrible storm that welcomed me as I was flying towards the River of Memories. So, I was jinxed. Thanks for that, by the way. Knocked me off course and I nearly drowned in the stormy sea." I began.

"What?" North asked.

"Yeah. I know that this does not happen very often, but Manny was so wrong when he said I should go alone. If it weren't for those dragons that saved me, I would have been history."

"You mean the dragons in the reindeer stables that Phil was telling me about?"

"Yes. They saved my life. I owe them big time. We bonded. Now, we're friends and I can't leave them."

Then, I told him everything that happened. Including my visions, Heather, and the song we shared. We were getting pretty loud, so went to North's office for some privacy.

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"Now, after they have rested up. We go to the River of Memories together. And, I was hoping you and the other guardians will come too. I know that it is a big ask. But I do not wanna go on this mission alone anymore." I concluded.

"Just as you said, you and Heather are going together with her family and your dragons." North argued.

"You know what I mean, North. Besides, they were riding dragons already before the storm hit. And they still nearly drowned. I am not taking any chances." I countered.

And he leaned back in his chair, silent.

Suddenly, Kevin -the only yeti I know that does not know how to knock -burst through the door.

"How many times, Kevin? How many more times do I tell you before you knock?" North groaned.

He started rambling, that North and I looked at each other confused.

"The moon crystal?" I asked before me and North ran to the Globe Room.

And what do you know? The crystal was out and glowing.

"Why is the crystal out?" I asked North.

"Well, it's glowing in a different color. Which probably means Manny is bot choosing a new guardian." North said.

He was right about that. I was told that the crystal glows a bluish white when choosing. This time, it's glowing a vibrant blue. A darker but still brighter light.

"What does it mean?" I asked.

And I got my answer. It was a message.

'I realize now that I was wrong
Jack cannot go through this alone
Gather the guardians, North
You will all be coming along
To find the answers
And right my wrong.'

Was the message. I was right, and Manny realized that.

"Surely one day off wouldn't hurt? Besides, it is pretty important, especially if it's from Manny." I smirked.

And North was quick to give in.

"Fine. But one day only. We leave as soon as the other guardians arrive." He said.

And the moon crystal sunk back in the ground, meaning Manny's work was done.

North went back to work while I went back to my wing.

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When I got there, they were all awake and feasting on cookies and warm milk. Courtesy of the elves. If there's one good thing the elves are for, it's the snack. Well, that and music.

"Where have you been?" Heather asked me.

"Talking to the owner. Explaining why there are dragons in the stables, and why the Yetis were all gossiping around." I answered her.

"Speaking of..... yetis, is it? You mind explaining to us where exactly we are and what the heck just happened a while ago?" Skylar reminded me.

Looks like I'm not done explaining myself yet. Damn it. I may not get tired, but I could use a break after today.