Ben leapt into the black hole and skidded to a stop as the darkness engulfed him. It was hard to judge distances in here, where ever here was, but up ahead he could see a round opening of light that marked the exit. He turned around and looked through the hole at the brightly lit meadow where he had just been standing a moment ago. Amos was restraining Louise and Casey, his big ham fists wrapped tightly about their arms, while the elves stood behind them, watching and waiting to see what would happen next. Marcus had told him that the staff would transport him, and anyone touching it, straight to the Twilight. A moment ago, he was confused, but now he remembered that conversation very well and he distinctly remembered Marcus telling him that all he had to do was say the word Twilight, while he was holding the staff, to invoke the magic. Marcus never said anything about a pathway, yet here he was standing within one. It was very strange inside of the pathway too. If not for the two openings, his senses would be completely deprived. The darkness all around him was complete and total. There were no odors, it was neither warm nor cool, and the silence was deafening. He hurried across the black expanse to the exit. He could see elves gathering about the opening and Gabriel was there among them. When he stepped out into courtyard of Castle Twilight, the black hole snapped shut behind him.
“Ben!” Gabriel exclaimed, with a puzzled expression. “How is it that you are here?”
“I used the staff, just like Marcus told me.”
“You came through a pathway, Ben. The enchantment laid upon the staff was not one to create a pathway. Did you come here from your world?”
“No, we’re up here for spring break. Me, Casey, and Grandma came through the Merlin tree to visit Amos. Hob, Gob, and Nob were there too. Hob had a surprise for us back at their cabin and we were all riding in Amos’ wagon to the cabin when Garrick and two other elves rode up on us. Garrick told us all about what happened to Marcus and I tried to use my staff to bring us here.”
“Why did the others not come with you?”
“We decided that Hob, Gob, and Nob would take the wagon to their cabin and, once Dan was taken care of, they would ride their boat down the river and meet us all here. They should be getting here late this afternoon. Anyhow, they had already left and when I tried to use the staff, a pathway opened. None of us were expecting that to happen and Grandma didn’t want us to use it. Grandma also refused to ride a horse and wanted one of the elves to ride after the dwarves to get them to bring the wagon back. I know what I did was foolish, but I felt like we needed to get here as quickly as possible.”
“Well, you are here and the pathway is closed, so the others will have to find their way as best they are able. I’m sure they are worried about you too and will make haste to get here.”
“Grandma is probably worried sick. Could you send another rider out to meet them and let them know I am okay? Do you have a wagon that you could send to pick them up?”
“If Louise has said that she is not going to ride a horse, then rest assured she is not going to ride a horse. I believe she will send Amos to retrieve the wagon and, if he can catch the dwarves before they depart on the river, they will all continue here in the wagon. I’ll dispatch a rider to the dwarves’ cabin. He can track them from there and let them know that you are okay when he finds them.”
Gabriel nodded to one of the elves standing nearby. The elf turned and sped toward the stables.
“How long do you think it will take them to get here?” Ben asked.
“It’s hard to tell. I’m not exactly sure where they are; that’s why I’m sending a rider out to the cabin. However, I do know they will not be here before dark. It may even be morning before we see them. Let’s go inside where you may be comfortable. Are you hungry or thirsty?”
Ben shook his head. “Maybe I should try to re-open the pathway?”
“No, I agree with Louise on that account. It is too dangerous.”