Page 119 of Magical Melee

He leaned casually against the tunnel wall, crossing his arms. “The Academy’s grounds and I, well, we have a complicated relationship. Let’s just say the last time I tried stepping up there, I got blasted halfway across Stonewick. It’snot a great look for a goblin. Very hard on the ego. The Academy isn’t as gracious the second time around.”

I raised my eyebrows. “Blasted? Like... literally?”

Sure, I’d heard he’d gotten tossed halfway through town, but I guess I didn’t expect it to be literal.

“Oh, yes,” Twobble said, nodding solemnly. “It was quite the spectacle. There was smoke, a bit of screaming—mostly me—and I’m pretty sure some birds laughed. Not my proudest moment.”

Despite my nerves, I chuckled. “Sounds dramatic.”

“It was,” he said, smirking. “And I’d rather not repeat it. So, this is where I leave you.”

I hesitated, glancing up at the trapdoor. “And you’re sure I won’t get blasted?”

Twobble gave me a thoughtful look. “No promises. But the Academy’s already let you into the gardens once, so you’ve got better odds than me.”

I sighed, gripping the first rung of the ladder. “Well, that’s comforting.”

“Don’t worry,” Twobble said, giving me a thumbs-up. “If you become a fireball, I’ll be here to catch whatever’s left. Your daughter’s name is Celeste, right?”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” I muttered, starting my climb.

The ladder creaked softly beneath my weight, each step bringing me closer to the trapdoor. I paused at the top, my hand hovering over the latch.

My heart raced as every instinct screamed at me to prepare for the worst.

Fireball?

Lightning bolt?

Maybe I’d just get blasted back to the cottage.

I took a deep breath, bracing myself, and pushed the door open.

Nothing happened.

No explosions, no sudden magical backlash.

Just the chill of the Wisconsin air nipping at my cheeks.

I stood there for a moment, half expecting the ground to reject me suddenly. But it didn’t. Instead, a strange sense of calm washed over me, like the gardens acknowledged my presence as I silently recited the words Keegan told me.

Guardians of Stonewick, steadfast and wise,

Through courage and knowledge, our spirits shall rise.

I didn’t get sucked into a void. Only the soft rustle of leaves and the freezing night air brushed against my face.

Slowly, I pulled myself up, emerging into the moonlit gardens.

“Well, look at that,” I murmured. “I’m still in one piece.”

Twobble’s voice drifted up from the tunnel. “Stay cautious, my friend.”

I smiled, shaking my head. “Thanks, Twobble.”

“Anytime!” he called back. “Now go find whatever it is you’re looking for. I’ll be here, guarding the tunnel. You know, heroically.”

I chuckled and turned my attention to the garden.