Fablehaven2-Rise of the Evening Star Read online

  did they steal?

  No matter, Grandpa said. The problem is-

  Not a little statue of a frog, Kendra said.

  Now Grandpa was silent. Oh, Kendra, he finally muttered.

  Tell me what happened.

  Kendra recounted how Errol had told them the only way

  to get rid of the kobold was to acquire the statue. She related

  how he had told them the owner of the mortuary was an evil

  viviblix in order to convince Seth to steal the frog.

  So that's how they did it, Grandpa said. There was a

  spell on the mortuary that would have prevented all but

  children from entering. Archibald Mangum is an old friend.

  He is no blix. He was away at his eightieth birthday party in

  Buffalo the night Seth stole the statue from his house. He

  phoned me a few minutes ago.

  I've been trying to call you all week, Kendra said.

  And I wrote you a letter Tuesday.

  There has been foul play, Grandpa said. I have not

  received your letter. I suspect it was intercepted, perhaps

  from my mailbox. I didn't know the phone was down until

  yesterday. We hardly use it except for emergencies. The

  phone company came out to fix it a few hours ago. They

  found where the line had been damaged, not far beyond the

  front gates. I asked if it looked like the line had been deliberately

  cut, and they said no, but I have my doubts. When

  Archibald called, my worries were multiplied. He has quietly

  kept an eye on you and Seth for me. Of course, I realized

  that any action taken against him could also involve you,

  but I did not expect this. The Society of the Evening Star is

  on the move.

  What do I do? Kendra asked, feeling unbalanced.

  I have already set a plan in motion, Grandpa said.

  Now I see that my suspicions were more warranted than I

  had anticipated. I told your mother that I was in an accident,

  and asked if you and Seth could come stay with us

  while I recover.

  What did she say? Kendra asked.

  Your parents are willing as long as you and your brother

  want to come, Grandpa said. I told her I wanted to invite

  you myself. Assuming you would agree, I already dispatched

  somebody to pick you up.

  Who?

  You have not met her, Grandpa said. Her name is

  Vanessa Santoro. She'll give you a code word: kaleidoscope.

  She should be there within a couple of hours.

  What should we do until then?

  You said this Fisk character is expecting to meet you

  tonight?

  We haven't confirmed with him, Kendra said. I

  wanted to talk to you first. She deliberately neglected to

  mention that although she had not confirmed the rendezvous,

  she had already resolved to go. He's going to wait

  for us at a gas station near our house. If we aren't there by

  ten-thirty, he'll know we aren't coming.

  I don't like the interest the Society is showing in you,

  Grandpa said pensively, as if talking to himself. We'll have

  to puzzle that out later. For now, pack your things. Vanessa

  should arrive around ten-thirty herself. Be on the lookout.

  It may be tough to anticipate how Errol will react when the

  two of you fail to keep his appointment.

  Can you tell your friend to hurry?

  She'll hurry, Grandpa said, chuckling. For now, let

  your mother know your decision. Then I'll need to speak

  with her again, get her used to the idea that a friend of mine

  is going to swing by and pick you up tonight. I'll tell her

  Vanessa is a trusted neighbor who happens to be returning

  from a trip to Canada.

  Grandpa?

  Yes?

  You weren't really in an accident? she asked.

  Nothing life-threatening, but yes, I'm rather banged up.

  There have been many interesting developments over the

  past months, and whether I like it or not, you are becoming

  involved. Right now, as dangerous as Fablehaven can be, it is

  the safest place for you.

  Grandma's not a chicken again or anything.

  Your grandmother is fine, he assured her.

  What about Mom and Dad? What if Errol Fisk goes

  after them?

  Oh, no, Kendra. Don't worry about your parents. Their

  ignorance of the secret world we know about should be all

  the protection they need. With you and Seth out of the

  house, they will be much safer than any of us. Now, pass me

  off to your mother.

  Kendra found her mom and handed her the telephone.

  She then raced to Seth's room and filled him in on everything

  she had discussed with Grandpa Sorenson.

  So Errol was using us, Seth said. And if we'd gone

  with him tonight… I never learn my lesson, do I?

  This wasn't your fault, Kendra said. Errol had me

  fooled too. You were just being brave. That isn't always a bad

  thing.

  The compliment seemed to buoy him up. I bet Errol

  thought he had us in the bag. I wonder what he would have

  done with us. I wish I could see his face when we don't show

  up tonight.

  Hopefully by then we'll already be on the road.

  Dad entered the room. He clapped his hands together

  and rubbed them. We need to get you guys packed, he said.

  You two must have really done a number on your grandparents

  last summer. Dad falls off the roof, and he wants you

  there to help him. I hope he knows what he's getting himself

  into.

  We'll be good, Seth said.

  Are those firecrackers? Dad asked.

  Just little ones. Seth stuffed them into his emergency

  kit.

  * * * *

  Kendra paced in her room, watching the clock. She

  peeked out between her blinds every few minutes, hoping to

  see Vanessa pull up. The closer the time got to ten-thirty,

  the more anxious she became.

  Her suitcase and her duffel bag were on her bed. She

  tried to distract herself by putting on her earphones and listening

  to music. She sat on the floor, closed her eyes, and

  leaned against the bed. Any minute Vanessa would pull up,

  and she and Seth would be on their way.

  She heard a voice calling her name from far away. She

  opened her eyes and took off her earphones. Dad was standing

  over her. She's here? Kendra asked, standing up.

  No, I said you have a phone call. Katie's dad, he's wondering

  if you know where Katie might be.

  Kendra accepted the phone. Katie Clark? Kendra barely

  knew her. Hello?

  You disappointed me, Kendra. It was Errol. Dad left

  the room.

  Kendra spoke quietly. Sorry, we decided tonight

  wouldn't work. How did you get our number?

  The phone book, Errol said, sounding hurt by the

  accusation in her tone. Sorry about pretending to be the

  parent of a schoolmate. I didn't want to startle your parents.

  Good thinking, Kendra said.

  I was wondering if I might persuade you to join me after

  all. I'm down the street from your home, right where I

  dropped you off the other night. You see, tonight is the last

  night the houseboat will be unoccupied, and that amulet


  could cause great harm to your grandparents and their preserve.

  I'm sure it could, Kendra said sincerely. Her mind was

  racing. Errol could not possibly know she and Seth planned

  to escape to Fablehaven tonight. She had to pretend she still

  thought of him as a friend. Isn't there some other way? I was

  so scared the other night.

  If I knew of another solution, I would not trouble you.

  My predicament is dire. The amulet could cause tremendous

  harm in the wrong hands. Please, Kendra, I helped you. I

  need you to return the favor.

  Kendra heard a vehicle pulling to a stop outside. The

  engine quit. Parting the blinds, she saw a woman climbing

  out of a sleek sports car. I don't think I can, Kendra said.

  I'm really sorry.

  Looks like you have a visitor, Errol said, a trace of

  suspicion entering his voice. That's quite a car. Friend of

  the family?

  I'm not sure, Kendra said. Look, I need to go.

  Very well. The line went dead.

  Dad poked his head in. Everything okay?

  Kendra put the phone down, trying not to let her anxiety

  show. Katie's dad was just freaking out a little, she said.

  I don't hang out with Katie much, so I couldn't really help

  him. I'm sure she's fine.

  There was a knock at the door.

  That must be your ride. Dad grabbed the suitcase

  the duffel bag off the bed. Kendra followed him to the living

  room, where Mom stood chatting with a statuesque woman.

  Tall and slender, the woman had a lustrous cascade of black

  hair and an olive complexion. She looked Spanish or

  Italian, with generous lips and a playful arch to her eyebrows.

  Her cosmetics were applied with an expertise Kendra

  had never seen outside of fashion magazines. She wore

  trendy jeans, brown boots, and a snug, stylish leather jacket.

  As Kendra entered the room, the woman smiled, her

  expressive eyes lighting up. You must be Kendra, the

  woman said warmly. I'm Vanessa Santoro. She had the

  faint remnant of an accent.

  Kendra extended her hand. Vanessa clasped only her

  fingers. Dad introduced himself and Vanessa offered him a

  similar handshake. Despite her polished looks and

  demeanor, her fingernails were incongruously short. Seth

  came into the room and stopped in his tracks. Kendra felt

  embarrassed for him-he was so unable to disguise his

  amazement at Vanessa's striking appearance.

  I've looked forward to finally meeting the famous Seth

  Sorenson, Vanessa said.

  Me? Seth replied inanely.

  Vanessa smiled tenderly. She seemed accustomed to

  making boys tongue-tied. Kendra was starting not to like

  her.

  Vanessa glanced at her small, fashionable watch. I hate

  to be in a rush, but we have a lot of ground to cover before

  the night ends.

  You're welcome to stay the night here and get a fresh

  start in the morning, Mom said. We could make up the

  spare bed.

  Kendra experienced an acute moment of distress. They

  had to get out of there. Errol was waiting outside, and he had

  acted suspicious of Vanessa. Who knew what he might try

  during the night?

  Vanessa shook her head with a regretful smile. I have

  an appointment tomorrow, she said. No worries, I'm a

  night owl. I slept in late. We'll get to Stan's in one piece.

  Can I get you some refreshments? Mom pursued.

  Vanessa held up a hand. I have goodies in the car, she

  said. We should get on the road.

  Dad had pulled out his wallet. At least let us chip in on

  gas.

  I wouldn't think of it, Vanessa insisted.

  You're saving us a long drive, Dad persisted. It's the

  least-

  I was going there anyhow, Vanessa said, picking up

  Seth's suitcase, the largest of the bunch. Giving your children

  a lift is my pleasure. Dad snatched Kendra's suitcase

  before Vanessa could grab it as well. Instead Vanessa seized

  Seth's duffel bag.

  Mom opened the door, and Vanessa walked out, followed

  by Dad. I can get my bags, Seth said from behind.

  I'm quite capable, Vanessa assured him, striding easily

  toward her car.

  Whoa! Seth said when he got a look at her dark blue

  sports car.

  Dad whistled. Ferrari?

  No, Vanessa said. Custom made. I got a deal through

  a friend.

  You'll have to introduce me, Dad said.

  In your dreams, Mom muttered.

  Standing beside the sports car, Kendra could not believe

  she was going to get to ride in it all the way to Fablehaven.

  Low and aerodynamic, the glossy vehicle had twin tailpipes,

  a sunroof, and fat tires like a race car. In spite of the dead

  insects plastered to the front, it looked like the sort of

  vehicle you would expect to see in a showroom or at a car

  expo-not something that anybody would actually drive.

  Vanessa pressed a couple of buttons on her key chain.

  The passenger door swung open and the trunk popped up.

  There should just be room for the suitcases in the trunk,

  she said. She leaned the passenger seat forward and tucked

  Seth's duffel bag behind the driver's seat.

  Shotgun, Seth called.

  Sorry, Vanessa said. House rules. Tallest passenger gets

  shotgun. The back is a bit cramped.

  Seth drew himself up to his full height. I've almost

  caught up with her, he said. Besides, she's more flexible.

  Good, Vanessa said, because we'll have to slide her

  seat forward to fit the two of you. I don't often have riders

  in the back. Dad handed Kendra's duffel bag to Vanessa and

  then loaded the suitcases into the trunk.

  Seth slouched into the backseat and fastened his seat

  belt. Vanessa slid the passenger seat forward a bit and pushed

  the back upright. Can you live with that? Seth nodded

  glumly. His legs were twisted sideways with the knees

  together. Kendra might be able to spare an extra inch or

  two once she gets settled, Vanessa soothed.

  Vanessa stepped aside so Kendra could get in the car.

  Kendra met her eyes and glanced at the Volkswagen van

  parked down the road. Vanessa winked in a way that suggested

  she was aware of the threat. Kendra hesitated for

  another moment. Kaleidoscope, Vanessa murmured.

  Kendra got into the car and Vanessa shut the door. The

  engine roared to life spontaneously. Vanessa thumbed her

  key chain again and the driver's door opened.

  Mom and Dad stood together on the curb, waving.

  Doubting whether her parents would be able to see her

  through the tinted glass, Kendra rolled down her window

  and waved back. According to Grandpa, with her and Seth

  out of the house, Mom and Dad would be out of danger.

  Although Kendra was unsure what new hazards awaited at

  Fablehaven, at least she could take comfort knowing her

  departure would ensure the safety of her parents.

  Vanessa scooted behind the wheel and closed the door.

  Her demeanor instantly changed as she tugged on a pair of

 
black driving gloves. How long has he been there? she

  asked, switching on the lights, throwing the manual transmission

  into gear, and pulling forward.

  Calling a final good-bye, Kendra rolled up the window.

  Only a few minutes, I think, Kendra said. He showed up

  after we skipped out on meeting him at the service station.

  Why didn't you tell me? Seth complained.

  I just found out, Kendra said. He called. I was getting

  off the phone with him when Vanessa pulled up. He was trying

  to talk me into going.

  They drove past the Volkswagen van. Looking back,

  Kendra saw the headlights come on and the van pull into

  the street behind them. He's following us, Seth said.

  Not for long, Vanessa promised. Once we're out of

  earshot from your parents, we'll get rid of him quick. She

  put on a pair of sunglasses.

  Isn't it a little dark for sunglasses? Seth said.

  Night vision, Vanessa explained. I can kill the lights

  and go as fast as I like.

  Awesome! Seth said.

  They turned a corner, heading toward the interstate.

  Vanessa looked over at Kendra. You were just on the phone

  with him?

  Watch out! Kendra yelled, pointing straight ahead. A

  gigantic humanoid figure made of straw shambled out into

  the road, waving a pair of crude arms. Having just rounded a

  corner, they were not going very fast. Vanessa swerved, but

  the monstrous figure leapt sideways to continue blocking

  their path. Vanessa slammed on the brakes. The seat belts

  locked, and the car stopped about ten yards shy of the

  creature.

  Yellow and bristly under the bright headlights, the oafish

  figure towered at least ten feet above the asphalt, straddling

  the yellow line in the center of the road. It had short legs

  with large feet, a massive torso, and long, thick arms. The

  bushy head lacked eyes, but a gaping mouth appeared when

  the monstrosity let out a raspy roar.

  A haystack? Seth said, sounding bewildered.

  A dullion, Vanessa corrected, throwing the car into

  reverse. A pseudo golem.

  The dullion charged. The engine growled and the tires

  squealed as they backed away. Vanessa expertly whipped the

  car around and switched gears, wheels shrieking. They were

  suddenly going forward again, away from the creature. The

  sharp odor of burnt rubber filled the car.

  As they neared the intersection where they had just

  turned, the Volkswagen van screeched to a stop, blocking

  their escape. A second car, an older-model Cadillac, pulled