The Secret Corridor

As the first rays of dawn broke through the clouds, the house at Ol’ Cypress came into view. The tired Collective pushed their way through the dewy garden and into the house through the back door. One by one, they collapsed into chairs at the kitchen table. “I’ll light a fire,” Miki offered. “Just as…

“I’m telling you people!” Ian insisted. “I know it sounds crazy, but it’s true! I really was able to change the past in the Sun King’s Court! I recorded it all—every last detail! Just ask Mitch!” Mitch looked down at the muddy trail. It had started to drizzle, and her sneakers were making sucking sounds…

Ian tumbled forward as Mitch slammed into him. “Watch it!” Mitch eyed him queasily. “I swear, Scarlett, if you puke on me—” “That’s enough, children!” Timekeeper Pollistone cried. He pushed a mug into Mitch’s hands. “Drink!” he commanded, wrinkling his nose at the thought of another mess. Mitch took a sip from the steaming cup….

The young man opened his eyes. He took a deep breath of dry, desert air and dug his toes into the sand. The warm river lapped at his feet, snuffing out the last of the electric sparks. The man turned his face up toward the tiny pin pricks of light twinkling through the dust of…

“Mitch!” Ian cried, sprinting around a bend in the Corridor. His words echoed up and down the empty hall. “Wait up!” Mitch swung around to see Ian running at her full speed. “Wow,” he said, screeching to a stop just inches from where she stood. “You look different.” “You come all the way here to…

Ian and Mitch stood hugging in the dark. A frog let out a deep croak and splashed its way through the swampy grass. Ian was the first to look up, wiping the electric strands of Mitch’s hair from his face. Mitch stepped back, looking around wildly. “We didn’t go anywhere!” Ian cried. “We’re still here!…

“Order, s’il vous plaît!” the marquis called out. “The Royal Council is now in session.” “Who is she?” a voice demanded from the crowd. “The witch at your side!” “Madame Duchess,” the marquis replied, his voice full of menace. “I would advise you to speak more carefully in the presence of your Majesté’s sister.” “Sister!”…

Mitch sat at the desk as the last rays of daylight faded into the purple sky, reading and re-reading Ian’s letters, terrified there was something she had missed. “Madame Princess?” came a voice from behind the door. “The marquis is waiting for you. Are you ready?” Mitch stuffed the letters into Ian’s satchel and wrapped…

Dear Little S— We stand at the gates tonight. Let the marquis’ plan play out. It will be terrible, but you must trust me. Don’t interfere! We have a plan. Send word you’re okay. Germaine can be trusted. —I P.S. We need a few more coins. Can’t risk being followed to you-know-where.  Dear I— I’m…

Ian rolled over and sneezed into the hay. “Ah-choo!” “Shhh!” Countess Celestine hissed from the stall next door. “Good morning!” came a loud whisper above Ian’s head. “Are you hungry?” Ian turned sharply and forced open his eyes, which were still heavy with sleep. A smiling face stared down at him. He grabbed for his…