Page 27 of With the Potion in the Courtyard

"Okay, okay, let's keep moving," Jessie said, retrieving her hat with a huff.

We managed to extricate ourselves from the mischievous creatures and continued our trek through this crazy realm. As we went, we encountered more fantastical beings; there were fluffy clouds with faces floating lazily above, clay-like critters squishing along the ground, and stick-figure birds flapping paper-thin wings overhead.

"Every single one of these creatures looks like something out of a five-year-old’s imagination," Jessiesaid, wonder lacing her voice.

"Like they've been colored into existence," Robbie added, his blue eyes wide with amazement.

I paused, considering the creatures and the landscape around us. "Doodle," I felt the word fit just right. "We're in Doodle."

And with that, we moved through this realm of wonder, laughter occasionally breaking through our concern, searching for Jaylyn among the insanity. This was truly a place of wonder and imagination. At any other time, I think I’d love being here.

We stood at the edge of a river that swirled with colors like melted wax. I squinted across, trying to spot anything that might resemble a bridge or steppingstones, but there was nothing.

"Want to check again which direction to go?"

Jessie pulled the sock she’d put in her pocket out and did her spell. Instantly, the wand pointed ahead. Across the river, and then there was the electrical sound and her wand fell once more.

"So, she’s that way," I said. "At least we know that."

"Any ideas on how we're supposed to get across?" Robbie asked, scratching his head.

Jessie shrugged. "Maybe we should walk along the bank, see if it narrows somewhere?"

"Wait," I pointed. A massive creature lay sprawled across the river, its long neck creating a natural bridge. "What about walking over that?"

Robbie grinned. "Is it asleep?"

"Looks like it," Jessie whispered.

"But is this a good idea?" I asked.

Robbie’s grin never faltered. "I say when in Doodle, do as the Doodles do."

I laughed. "Then let's not waste time."

With cautious steps, we climbed onto the creature's back. Its skin felt like warm suede beneath my palms. The only movement came from the creature’s even breaths. We tiptoed across, holding our breaths, but just as we reached the midpoint, the creature stirred.

"Uh-oh," Jessie squeaked.

It lifted its head, and we clung on for dear life. It wasn't a violent awakening, but the gentle sway made my stomach lurch. The creature began to trotalong the riverbank, carrying us as unwilling passengers.

"Look out," I yelled as we neared a bend. The ground below seemed different, softer, almost bouncy.

"Jump," Robbie shouted.

We leaped off, and the ground cushioned our fall. I bounced slightly, relieved. Falling from that far onto the hard ground would no doubt result in a broken hip, and I knew how miserable recovering from a broken hip was due to a friend who had done so some years before.

"That was something!" Robbie said, and I almost thought he wanted to say, "let’s do it again."

"Let's keep going," Jessie said, dusting herself off.

Further into Doodle, we stumbled upon a forest where trees danced. Limbs swung and roots tapped in rhythm to a whistling tune emanating from a circle of stones. For a minute, we watched in silence. Trees were hardly nimble little things. They were huge, and as they moved, the ground shook. Still, there was something almost graceful about how they moved along with the tune coming fromthe circle of stones.

"Do we try to go through that?" I asked.

"Very carefully," Jessie said, and our little group cautiously made our way forward.

"Watch your step," Robbie said as a branch narrowly missed his head.