Part 29 (1/2)

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 k.n.o.b. 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 pa.s.s.

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 pa.s.sage.

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 pa.s.s. 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 k.n.o.b. 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 pa.s.sage 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.

They were standing at a door that looked very much like the previous one. Is it dark? Kendra asked.

I can't see a thing, Seth said.

Just follow this pa.s.sage, the brownie instructed. It will lead straight to the dungeon. I suppose you know your way from there. I can't say whether the barriers will impede you.

That risk is yours to take.

Thank you, Kendra said.

Here are your clothes, the female brownie said. She held up a lovely dress and a pair of moccasins, all made from the silk of the handkerchief. Kendra accepted the dress, and the female brownie handed Seth a s.h.i.+rt, jacket, pants, and slippers fas.h.i.+oned from the same material.

Now, that is improvising, Kendra said. The clothes look wonderful.

We all do what we do, the female brownie responded with a small curtsy.

The brownies held up the blankets in such a way as to allow Kendra and Seth privacy as they put on their clothes.