A Path Toward Home (The Annals of Avonea) by Heather Lorenz Page B

the room. Soon he returned with steaming platters of poached eggs and toast. After they had finished, Moolow passed his guests a brimming plate full of cheeses, crackers and meats for their enjoyment.
    “Moolow we must speak to you,” Drinian said, taking a sip of juice.
    “What is it, Your Majesty?” Moolow asked, sitting down at the head of the table.
    “Please, if it is not too much trouble, give us directions for returning Constance to her world.”
    “Don’t you like it here?” Moolow asked, turning to Constance.
    “I love it here, but I know my uncle is worried sick!”
    “Do not worry, time is different in your world. While you have been here a week, only an hour has passed there.
    “Really?”
    “Yes, every seven days here equals one hour in your world. So if you remain here another week, that would simply be two hours,” Moolow replied.
    “Well, at least that won’t cause him too much worry.”
    “Let me go up to the library and get my map. First though, I'll bring out the pastries,” Moolow said exiting the dining room again and returned with a huge platter containing squares of yellow cake filled with pudding and topped with powdered sugar, balls of batter with delicious raspberry filling, brownies smothered with molasses and  tasty chunks of honey-flavored hard candy.
    While they were finishing their dessert, Moolow returned with a large paper scroll in his hand. As, he spread the map across the end of the table, he pointed a shaking finger to a spot near the middle. “Here is where you are now. Your final destination will be the Circle of Return, over here. The easiest route is to go by the way of Castle Melody.
    “Castle Melody? I haven’t been there since the night of my father's death. Isn’t it too dangerous for me to pass through a village where a Molter could be at every corner?” Drinian asked.
    “Haven’t you heard the news? Princess Penella has given up the search for Your Majesty. Even if a Molter sees, you they won’t kill you, for she has resolved the matter.”
    “This is a miracle! But why has she given up the search for me?”
    “I do not know.”
    “Do you think it could be a trick, to get me out of hiding?” Drinian asked, rubbing his chin.
    “It could be, but I think you should take the risk,” Moolow replied. “For some reason, I feel it is no trick.”
    “I hope you’re right,” Drinian replied.
    “Now I'll tell you how to get to your destination, the Circle of Return. After you visit Castle Melody, head north a day’s journey through the northern mist until you reach a large forest. Follow the main path until you come to a round flat golden stone. Constance must step onto that stone to return to her world.”
    “Can I go with her? I am very curious about her world,” Drinian said hopefully.
    “Neither you nor Woodphere can go to her world. Only people from earth, may return,” Moolow concluded.
    “We must be leaving soon, if we are to get to castle Melody,” Woodphere said, getting up from the table.
    “Before you go, please come with me. I have tools to give you for the rest of your journey.”
    The group followed Moolow upstairs into a large hall lined with battle gear. Swords, shields, spears and full body armor were on display. Large barrels of food supplies lined one wall. A marble stand, covered with a red velvet pillow, stood in the center of the room. Laying on the pillow were three sparkling blue gems!
    “What are those?” Constance said, pointing as they walked by.
    “They are from rocks known as the ego’laprent, and were mined from a secret location in Avonea ages ago.”
    “I have never heard of them,” Drinian said glancing back at the jewels.
    Moolow stopped suddenly in front of a glass case. With Woodphere and Drinian peering over his shoulder, he slowly open the case as they gasped in awe!
    “Wonderful!” Woodphere exclaimed.
    “How did you ever get this?” Drinian asked in amazement.
    “What it is?” Constance inquired,