CHAPTER 24 URI CELESTE They worked fast. Locket, Marble, Flintstone, Acorn, Cup. Five heartbeats. Five clicks that dropped but… Nothing happened ! Mist hung between the roots that held their breath. The Glade was listening. Somewhere past the treeline, a twig snapped. A pig scout, maybe. Too close. The sixth slot yawned empty. Dapper’s paw shot for a low branch, claws itching to yank the nearest fruit. “ Wait!” Goldwynn’s voice wasn’t a shout. It was a plucked bowstring, thin and sharp. “Easy does it ! Let me see...” The knoll wafted up old fear. The rising moon bled through the horizon in thin, cold ribbons, turning every leaf into a silver blade. Blaire’s parting words gnawed at her. Your cup brimmeth over… Was she talking about Tasha...
CHAPTER 23 GATES TO THE VAULT Three days of trudging, trekking and aching muscles later, the cozy, sunlit, honeyed woods of Bramble Shire were miles behind them. At the edge of the deep, fog covered forest, a wispy figure appeared before them –The Guardian Maiden, Blaire barricading their way. "What do you seek in Mistwood Shadow Glade?" Her voice was the soft breeze that twirled around them. Ethereal! Hopper stepped forward gingerly. "The Locke Jewel. The last shard to piece together the Starwood Crystal. Where’s it hidden?" Blaire pursed her lips. "I’ll trade, as you know. Tell me your deepest secret. One you’d kill to hide." Chipper tensed. Hopper hesitated. There was a lot at stake, when she prodded, “The Pigs are closing in. Time is of the essence here, Rabbit ! If you don’t choose, you lose." Papa Koala warned, " ...