Team Chu and the Epic Hero Quest by Julie C. Dao

Author:Julie C. Dao [Dao, Julie C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Middle Grade, Fantasy
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Published: 2023-05-01T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

JEREMY

“What do you think’s taking so long?” I ask, trying to peer through a window.

It’s early the next morning, and we barely had time for breakfast before Captain Redfern dragged us onto the wagon again. The ride to Shadowheart Manor took about half an hour (“They must be running out of castles in a five-mile radius,” Clip suggested) before we got to a large old house. The captain told us to wait, then disappeared inside. He’s probably been gone only five minutes, but knowing that he’s walked into a vampire lair makes it seem way longer.

“I don’t see anything. I can’t tell if it’s because it’s dark inside or if they have curtains up.” George’s face is pressed to the window next to mine, his hands cupped around his eyes. “Do you see anything through that one, Jeremy?”

I shake my head. “Nope.”

“Maybe the captain got kidnapped,” Clip says thoughtfully. “Maybe our task is to go in there and rescue him. I’m game! I could march in there and take ’em down and—”

“What does that have to do with humility, though?” Sadie argues. “That’s the opposite of showing how humble you are! I think we should stay here like he told us to.”

“Don’t forget, Lady Scarlet is helping us,” I remind everyone. “I agree with Sadie. We should hang tight. Captain Redfern might get mad if we don’t follow his instructions.”

“But what if he doesn’t come back?” Molly asks anxiously. “What if he has no choice?”

Luckily, Captain Redfern comes out right at that moment, accompanied by Lady Scarlet.

“We’re ready for you now,” Lady Scarlet announces. “The first part of the Test of Humility is simple: Escape Shadowheart Manor with your lives.”

Everyone gasps.

“Just kidding, ha ha!” she says, smiling. “Don’t worry. My vampires and I gave our word to the Keeper of Fortunes that you will all leave safe and sound, no matter what, and you will not be touched or harmed in any way. That’s a promise. Okay?”

We nod, but none of us looks convinced.

Lady Scarlet hands us each a leather belt to loop around our waists. Each belt has a silver key tied onto it with a red cloth flag, which dangles down along our legs. “Your task is to search for the Reflection Room, a chamber full of mirrors, which will be your exit. Your keys will open the door. To make this more challenging, my vampires and I will be hiding throughout the house, and we will try to steal your flags. As I just said,” she adds, “you yourselves will not be touched or harmed. And we will only walk, not run after you.”

Sadie and I exchange glances, and Lizard lets out a nervous, high-pitched giggle.

“Here’s the catch: If your flag gets stolen, you must return to the beginning and start over,” Lady Scarlet says. “Humility is about accepting your weaknesses and trying again when you encounter defeat. The first person to reach the Reflection Room will receive a Gem of Humility, but the last person to find the exit will be eliminated from the competition.

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