Chapter 9

"Tyler wake up." Pegland threw pink pixie dust on him.

"It's morin' already." He sat up and stretched his arms over his head.

"Her majesty wants you to report to the throne room right away." She tossed more dust on him and vanished.

Wish I could sleep longer. He stumbled out of bed and walked over to the oak dresser. He touched the clothes on it. They look like the ones I had but sure don't feel like 'em. Much too soft. Tyler got dressed and rushed to the throne room.

Upon walking in, he surveyed the room and glanced at Queen Morganna, Avia, Samdy, Ladyanna, Morganna, and Gonzo sitting at the table. Tyler strolled to the empty chair by Avia and sat down. Seven beige backpacks were on the table.

"Good morning. Did you sleep well?" Queen Morganna handed him a backpack.

Tyler took it from her. "Yes. What's this for?"

"Food, medicine, and ambrosia."

"Don't they have that where we're goin'?"

"We may not be able to get anything for awhile. These beings aren't known for their kindness."

"We're goin' to be in the South. Folks are kind there."

"You have a lot to learn."

Tyler folded his arms and raised his eyebrows.

The queen passed out the remainder of the backpacks. Everyone put them on and rose from their chairs.

"Everyone ready?" Queen Morganna stared at the group.

Tyler nodded along with the rest of the group and followed the queen out of the room.

Wonder why we're leavin' this way? Just walked pass the room I slept in.

When they reached a black door, her majesty snapped her fingers four times. "Never again, never again."

The door opened, and she motioned them to follow her. They stepped onto an violet field with with a large tree with red roses growing all over it.

That breeze reminds me of those summer ones back home.

"Why did you say never again at the door, and why did we go out this way?" Tyler turned to the queen.

"Because I never wanted to go through this door again, so I made the password never again. It's also the quickest way to that tree." She pointed to the tree with red roses on it.

Tyler and Queen Morganna led the group to the tree.

When they arrive in front of the tree, Queen Morganna placed her hand on the door that was carved into the tree.

"Hock told me early this morning that the portal's completely open. We should all be able to get through. He'll keep it open for as long as he can."

"Keep it open for as long as he can. You mean we may get stuck there."

"It's a possiblity."

Tyler stared at her wide-eyed. Too late to turn back now.

The queen opened the door, and they all walked in.

Nothin' but a road here. Was expectin' somethin' terrible. Just trees and grass here. Just like back home. What's so different about this place?

Tyler and the rest of the group strolled along until he gazed upon a woman swinging on a swing hanging from a tree. She looks human, blond hair and blue eyes. Wearin' a mighty short dress, showin' her legs even. Arms aren't covered either. What's that blue book in her arms? She's gettin' off that swing and comin' toward us. Like she was waitin' for us.

"Hi, I'm Juilette McPherson. I'm glad you arrived before certain citizens of Deacon start roaming about."

Ladyanna, Morgan, and Gonzo ambled up to her. Juliette leaned down and petted all three of them on the head.

"Yes, sweethearts. I know why you're here." She gazed into their eyes.

"She understands us," Morgan said.

"She's the one, your Majesty." Ladyanna glanced at the queen.

"We need to read her book," Gonzo said with a purr.

"I would take you to my house, but the homes are watched closely by the cops this time of day. I'll let you read the book here. I'll come back for you this afternoon when the cops have a shift change. You'll be safe here. This area's rarely patrolled durning the day. Make sure you read everything in this book." Juliettte handed the book the queen.

"Why do we need to read this?" Tyler asked.

"So you'll know at least some of what you're up against. I'll tell you more when I get back." She turned around and walked away.

"I guess we should start reading. I believe it's the safest thing to do now." Queen Morganna opened the book. "It looks like the book's divided into ten sections. I guess they're histories or stories. Let's sit down, and I'll start reading."