Page 41 of With the Potion in the Courtyard
Okay, at least that was enough of a description to go off of. "And where can we find it?"
"It grows in a dangerous part of the forest. Retrieving it will not be without risk."
The three of us did what we did best and exchanged another glance that spoke volumes without saying anything at all. We’d be going back out into the dangerous woods of Doogle, on yetanother quest, that was going to be difficult. But if we wanted to find Jaylyn and get home, we had to do this.
"We'll get it," I said, feeling a mixture of excitement and apprehension. "Just tell us where to find it, and we'll bring it back for you."
Luna's lips curved into a small smile, but I got the feeling that she felt we’d accepted this difficult task too quickly. "Very well. I will provide you with the location. Remember, the forest is treacherous, and the Scribleberry is a rare prize."
We nodded in agreement, and with that, Luna summoned a map that floated towards us, its edges curling. The adventure, it seemed, was truly about to begin.
The map fell on the table before us, and she started explaining what we were seeing. As we followed her explanations, we learned that our destination was not that far from us. We’d be able to go there and return within the day, which was a pleasant surprise.
It did make me wonder why the Peregarnians didn’t just get the berry themselves. Other than some woods and some water, thelocation of the berry didn’t lookallthat dangerous, which probably meant I was missing something.
"But, brave adventurers," she continued, folding up the map and giving it to Robbie. "I will not be sending you into danger without help." She motioned us to follow her to a back room, then stopped behind a table, spreading her hand out and waving at the items before us.
"Okay, we're doing this," I said, mostly to myself, as I eyed the assortment of gear spread out before us. The Peregarnians were providing everything from ropes to flashlights, and even some sort of padded armor that looked like it was made from a mishmash of bubble wrap and rubber boots.
"Looks sturdy enough," Robbie commented, hefting a coil of rope over his shoulder. His blue eyes were serious, but there was a hint of excitement in his voice.
Was he beginning to really like our adventures?
Jessie chuckled as she strapped on a helmet that was two sizes too big for her head. "I've never seen protective gear quite so... colorful."
"Or squishy," I added, prodding at what I hoped was a knee pad.
We loaded up, adjusting straps and buckles, and soon enough, we felt as ready as we'd ever be. With a deep breath for courage, we set off into the forest, our feet sinking slightly into the soft, clay-like ground that seemed to have been rolled out by an industrious child's hands.
The foliage around us was dense with painted leaves of every imaginable color brushing against our arms as we pushed through. Every now and then, a curious critter made entirely of pipe cleaners would peer at us, only to skitter away into the underbrush.
"Keep your eyes peeled for anything that looks remotely like a Scribleberry," Robbie reminded us.
"Or a Scribbleberry," I muttered under my breath, earning me a chuckle from Jessie.
It wasn't long before we reached the edge of a giant swamp. The water was eerily still, reflecting the sky above like a massive oil painting. For a second I thought we might be able to wade through, but some instinct within me said that the waters weren’t safe. As I stared, colorful fish with sharp, marker-drawn teeth glided beneath the surface, their fins swishing silently.
"Looks like we're not walking across," Jessie observed, pointing to a boat crafted from papier-mâché.
"Let's hope it floats better than it looks," Robbie said, stepping cautiously into the vessel.
Once we were all aboard, I grabbed the pole propped against the side and began steering us through the murky waters, trying to ignore the hungry stares of the fish.
"Anyone else feel like bait?" I joked nervously.
"Absolutely," Robbie said. "Don’t even reach your hands over the water. Those things look made for killing."
"Here, have some beef jerky. It'll take your mind off things," Jessie offered, passing me a bag.
"Thanks," I said, tearing open the packet with more force than necessary. In my haste, the bag slipped from my grasp and tumbled over the edge.
"Shoot!" I cried out, but it was already too late. The fish surged upwards in a frenzy, their bright colors flashing as they devouredthe offering in seconds.
"Guess they were hungrier than we thought," Jessie said dryly, her expression unreadable beneath the oversized helmet.
"Good thing it wasn't one of us," I replied, pushing the pole against the swamp bed, propelling us forward with renewed urgency.
"Let's find that Scribleberry and get out of here," Robbie said, and we all nodded in agreement, watching the ripples fade behind us as we left the feeding frenzy far behind.