Gossamer Summer by H. M. Bouwman

Author:H. M. Bouwman
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Published: 2023-05-30T00:00:00+00:00

9 Fen Fairyland

Well, what was there to do but make more sandwiches and go to fairyland? I mean, really, given all the kids knew now about the fairies’ plight—and how much of it was their own fault—they had to go. The throne was unfilled and the fen people were in danger. “The bone creatures’ll be back,” said Roland. “They’ve not piked off for good. And then…” He drew his finger in a line across his neck and made a snicking sound. “Then we’re milled.”

After Maisie had snuck back into the house and quietly remade the sandwiches, they set off.

But first they had to lock Fabio inside, because now he suddenly decided he was awake and full of energy, and he kept trying to follow them; and everyone knows you don’t bring a cat into fairyland. After Jojo caught him, Maisie stuffed him in the house and shut the back door firmly. And then they set off, Fabio now glaring at them murderously from the front window, which, like the front door and unlike all the basement and second-floor windows, did not open.

At first Roland said he needed to blindfold all the kids so they would never be able to find the entrance back on their own, but Amy immediately guessed where the entrance was: it was the fairy door that they’d built into the tree in the woods. Then Roland sulked and said there was no use in blindfolding them or even taking them anywhere. So they all said he could blindfold them anyway if it would make him happy, and that promise cheered him up, though when he did it (tying a smelly, muddy pocket handkerchief around each of their faces), they tripped and fell as he tried to lead them across the yard, so he gave up and let them walk with the handkerchiefs around their necks if they promised to pretend they were blindfolded.

They trailed across the deserted road, around Theo’s uncle’s house, and into the backyard. Roland went first, holding one end of Theo’s belt, with Jojo right behind, holding the other end, so that Roland could lead her. The rest of the kids followed Roland and Jojo, holding hands in a line that ended with Maisie and the lunch cooler.

“I wonder where we are going,” said Bee loudly. “I can’t see anything.”

“It smells piney, like maybe the woods,” said Theo.

“I feel the sun on my face, so we must be heading north,” said Amy. (She did not know her directions.)

Maisie, who was lugging the food, didn’t say anything; and Jojo, who was thinking many thoughts, didn’t say anything either.

“Come along, and don’t trip over these rocks you can’t eyeball,” said Roland.

Her mind elsewhere, Jojo stumbled.

“Nice work,” whispered Theo from behind her. “That seemed almost real.”

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