Rise of the Evening Star (Page 59)

Relative to her new size, it was nearly as big as a garbage can.

The glass is thick, Kendra said. I can barely move this empty one.

Setting down the bulky glove, Seth tried to lift the bottle. He could barely hold it off the ground. Too bad we can’t bring a spare, he said. We’ll just have to hurry.

Mendigo, remember, watch for us and meet up with us when we come out. Mendigo now looked enormous, like some eerie monument.

Seth slung the glove over his shoulder. Come on.

Kendra looked up. Through the gaps in the branches above her, she saw stars coming out. She followed her brother down into the yawning hole.305Brownie Doors

Although the dirt near the opening of the brownie hole was crumbly and loose, the ground soon became smooth and firm as the tunnel sloped downward. Near the entrance Kendra and Seth needed to crouch in some places, but before long the tunnel increased in diameter so they could comfortably walk upright. At first roots poked through the walls and ceiling, but as they descended deeper, roots became scarce, and the floor of the tunnel leveled out. The dirt felt cool against their bare feet.

I can’t see a thing, Seth said.

Your eyes will adjust, Kendra said. It’s dim but it isn’t black.

Seth turned around. I can see a little light looking back, a very little, but it is pitch black looking forward.306 You must be going blind, I can see way down thetunnel.

Then you take the lead.

Kendra led them deeper into the tunnel. She wasn’t sure what Seth was talking about. Sure, it was dim, but there was enough light from the entrance even to reveal the texture of the different stones embedded in the tunnel walls.

Can you still see? Seth asked.

Haven’t your eyes adjusted yet?

Kendra, it is totally black. No light. I can’t see you. I

can’t see my hand. And I can’t see any light looking back.

Kendra looked over her shoulder. The way back appeared equally as dim as the way ahead. You see nothing?

My night vision is fine, Kendra, Seth said. I could see pretty well when I went to the grove, and there wasn’t much light there. If you can still see, then you can see in the dark.

Kendra thought about the overcast night at the pond when she had assumed light was filtering through the clouds.

She remembered seeing into cells in the dungeon that Seth thought were black. And now here she was, deep under-ground, and despite the dwindling twilight outside, no matter how far they walked from the entrance, it had stopped getting dimmer.

I think you’re right, Kendra said. I can still see pretty well. The light hasn’t faded for a while.

I wish those fairies had kissed me a little, Seth said.

Just be glad one of us can see. Come on.307 The tunnel wound back and forth several times beforeKendra came to a stop. I see a door up ahead.

Does it block the way?

Yes.

Well, let’s go knock.

Kendra started forward.

Just a second, Seth said. I lost my handkerchief. No peeking. Here it is. Okay, lead the way.

A round wall filled the entire tunnel. In the wall was an oval-shaped door. When they got close, Kendra tried the knob. It was locked. So she knocked.

An instant later the door opened swiftly, and she was looking at a thin man about her same height. He had a long nose, leaflike ears, and smooth skin, like a baby’s. He looked

Kendra and Seth up and down. Brownies only, he said, closing the door.

What happened? Seth asked. Could you understand that?

Brownies only, Kendra translated. A little guy opened the door, said that, and closed it. She slapped the door.

Please, we need to get into the house, it’s an emergency!

The door opened a crack. The little man peered out with one eye. Now, why would you go and learn Rowian when everyone knows brownies don’t talk to strangers?

Rowian? Kendra asked.

Don’t play coy with me, young lady. I’ve met a few fairies and nymphs who knew the rudiments of the brownie tongue, but never a miniature human.

I’m Kendra, she said. I love brownies. You cook308 wonderful food and you repaired my grandparents’ houseafter it was ruined.

We all do what we do, the brownie said humbly.

My brother and I need desperately to get into the house, and this is the only way. Please let us pass.

This way is meant only for brownies, he said. I may be the least of your troubles. There are magical barriers in place to prevent others from entering the house through our passage.

Kendra glanced at Seth, who was watching the exchange dumbfoundedly. But we’re allowed to enter the house, we’re guests there.

Curious way for guests to enter.

My grandparents are the caretakers of Fablehaven.

Somebody has sabotaged them, so we are trying to sneak in to help. We have to hurry. If this potion wears off, we’ll clog up your tunnel.

Can’t have that, the brownie said thoughtfully. Very well, seeing as you’re brownie-sized, and seeing as you belong to the house, and seeing as you explained yourself so patiently, I see no harm in letting you pass. On one condition. You both must wear blindfolds. You are about to enter a brownie community. Our secrets are our own.

What’s he saying? Seth asked.

He says we have to wear blindfolds.

Tell him to get on with it, Seth said.

What’s he saying? the brownie asked.

He says he’ll wear a blindfold.

Fair enough, the brownie said. One moment. The309 brownie closed the door. Kendra and Seth waited. She triedthe knob. It was locked.

What’s he doing? Seth asked.

I don’t know, Kendra said.

Just as Kendra was beginning to wonder if she had been abandoned, the door opened. Two blindfolds, the brownie said. And two blankets, more your size. I can’t abide that fine material dragging in the dirt.

What’s he saying? Seth said.

He brought blindfolds, Kendra relayed.

Ask if I have to wear one since I can’t see in the first place, Seth said.

Just wear it, Kendra said. And he wants us to switch our handkerchiefs for blankets.

Kendra and Seth traded the handkerchiefs for the blankets, making the exchange in such a way that they remained strategically covered throughout. Then the brownie tied on the blindfolds. I’ll be your guide, dear, a female voice said to Kendra. Put your hand on my shoulder.

Tell your friend I’ll be guiding him, the male brownie said.

He’s going to guide you, Seth.

The brownies led them through the door and along the tunnel. Soon the ground became hard. It felt like polished stone. Even with the blindfold on, Kendra could tell that they had entered a lighted area. The brownies gave occasional instructions like step up or duck your head, which

Kendra relayed to Seth. Occasionally she heard murmuring,310 as if their passage was stirring hushed comments from acrowd.

After they had walked for some time, the glow faded, and the polished floor became dirt once more. The brownies came to a halt. The male brownie removed the blindfolds.