Worlds Collide (The Land of Stories #6)(10)
“Then the Masked Man invaded with the Literary Army,” Goldilocks said. “The witches probably kidnapped Emmerich so they would have leverage against your uncle, so maybe they plan to use Alex as leverage against us!”
“Of course the witches are up to some vile scheme,” Red said. “I mean, they’re witches—hello! I wouldn’t be surprised if that goat who took Charlie had something to do with it! The Lost Boys and I found the missing children in her basement—Morina probably kidnapped them to purposely stir up paranoia in the witch community so they had a reason to plot a takeover! I bet she’s behind the whole thing!”
Everyone froze and looked at Red in shock. If she was correct, it was a little unsettling how easy it was for her to figure out Morina’s intentions.
“Don’t look at me like that,” Red said. “It takes a conniving genius to know a conniving genius. Obviously, there’s a type of woman Charlie’s attracted to.”
“But how could the witches know we’re planning to defeat the Literary Army? How do they know we’re a threat?” Conner asked.
Bree looked at him like the answer was obvious.
“Conner, they figured out Emmerich was your cousin before you or your uncle did,” she reminded him. “I’m sure it wouldn’t be hard for a witch to look into a crystal ball and figure out what we’re doing with a bunch of interdimensional beings inside a children’s hospital!”
Unfortunately, it made sense. A witch could easily have crossed into the Otherworld and snuck into the hospital without being detected. They could have used magic to overpower Alex and take her back to the fairy-tale world as a hostage. Conner had prayed for a clear answer all week, but he’d never guessed how much it would complicate matters.
“Let’s lay everything out on the table before we go any further,” he said.
“Which table?” the Tin Woodman asked.
“Also a figure of speech,” Conner said. “Not only do we have to liberate the fairy-tale world from the scariest villains in literature and slay a mythological creature before it turns us all into stone, but we also have to defeat an evil coven of witches before they use my sister against us.”
All the characters in the commissary shared glances with wide, timid eyes. The Blissworm cheered—it couldn’t wait for the battles to begin.
“I know what you’re thinking,” Conner said. “This is a much different fight than you signed up for. If the witches are involved, then we’re easily outnumbered, especially if they have my sister. I was confident we could defeat the Literary Army, but I’m not sure we can win the war.”
Conner rubbed his hands together, desperately trying to think of a way to get the odds back in their favor. Jack had a seat beside him and placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder.
“For once, I’m with the Blissworm,” Jack said. “We’ve seen a lot of scary situations over the years, but we’ve always gotten through them together. Yes, there were many times when a little of your sister’s magic went a long way, but we would never have pulled through if it weren’t for both of you. Now look around, Conner—you’re surrounded by an army from your imagination! That means there’s a piece of you inside each and every one of them, and even if it’s just a fraction of your bravery, your aptitude, or even your wit—I know those bastards won’t stand a chance against us.”
It was the exact pep talk Conner needed to hear, and it also inspired all the characters in the commissary. Jack’s words even made the pirates of “Starboardia” look up from the television for the first time in days.
“It’ll be dangerous,” Conner said.
“We love danger!” the Lost Boys shouted.
“Some of us may get hurt,” Conner added.
“Speak for yourself,” the Cyborg Queen said. “I can adjust feelings in Settings.”
“And regardless of what happens, at the end of the day, we’ll all be heroes!” Bolt said, and flipped through the air.
Conner couldn’t help but smile at his characters’ willingness to help him. He’d never thought his own creations could inspire him so much.
“All right, all right,” he said. “It’s going to be a challenge, but we can do this. Tomorrow morning we’re going to go into the fairy-tale world and we’re gonna kick some Literary-Mythological-Witchy butt!”
All the characters cheered. The Blissworm was happy they were finally on the same page.
“DID YOU HEAR THAT, MEN?” Robin Hood said. “WE’RE ON THE EVE OF WAR! WE SHALL FOLLOW THE SORCERER VALIANTLY INTO BATTLE AND WILL BE SHOWERED WITH RICHES AFTER OUR VICTORY!”
“Robin, no one is getting paid,” Conner said.
“OH,” Robin Hood said. “THEN WE SHALL BE SHOWERED WITH COMPLIMENTS FOR OUR GOOD INTENTIONS! AFTER ALL, PRAISE IS THE CURRENCY OF THE BRAVE!”
Suddenly, the doors opened and Bob and Charlotte rushed into the commissary. They were flushed and out of breath, as if they’d run the whole way there. A moment later, Trollbella entered behind them—they had moved so fast, she couldn’t keep up.
“Mom, I’ve got good news and bad news,” Conner said. “The bad news is Jack and Red didn’t find Alex, but the good news is—”
“We know where your sister is!” Charlotte panted.