CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

LOST AND FOUND

Alexander tried to keep his friends in sight, but lost them when a squall came up suddenly. All he saw was a panoramic view of miles and miles of empty sand. Alexander was lost once again.

Way to go, Sherlock. What do I do now?

He was alone. I guess he can only help when vicious man-eating squirrels are involved. That thought made him angry. It doesn’t do us any good if you get mad anytime you don’t get your way. O’Toole was talking to him.

He looked in all directions, but there were no signs of Malley or Abby. He sighed and plopped to the ground.

The sand was scorching, and the sun blinded him. What was worse, there was nothing to protect him from sunburn?

Time passed slowly, which always happens when a boy is lost without any way of knowing just how lost he is. Stay awake. Falling asleep would be a stupid thing to do. Despite his best intentions, within five minutes, Alex was fast asleep on the sizzling sands with the sun baking his skin.

                                                                 

“Perhaps you should forget to focus on what you don’t have and concentrate what you have.” Alexander jumped as the voice of O’Toole awoke him.

 “You startled me.” Of course, it meant he was talking to himself. “Where’ve you been? I’m lost.”

“I’ve been monitoring your progress. It wouldn’t be fair to you if I were to help you through all of your mistakes.” O’Toole paused long enough for his words to sink in. “Besides, it would tire me out. You’re always getting into trouble. It’s like you’re a dilemma magnet.”

“It’s not my fault.” The words sounded weird as if echoed from a cave. “And I’m still lost.”

“You’re not lost. I wouldn’t allow it. You don’t know where you are.” O’Toole laughed.

Great, I’m laughing to myself. Or he’s laughing to himself. Or… oh, whatever. Alexander hoped that there was no one near. They would have him committed.

“I need you to see something.” O’Toole took control of Alexander’s hand and pointed it towards the horizon.

“Yeah, I see it, sand.” Alexander was sarcastic. It was the first time he could remember being sarcastic to himself.

“Look beyond the sand. Tell me what you see.” O’Toole ordered.

“I see more sand.”

“I was afraid you might be too young for this, but something needed to be done.”

Alexander felt O’Toole’s disappointment. “Don’t take it too hard. You’re young. Look with your mind. See what I see.”

Alexander closed his eyes. Suddenly, the sand dissolved and large evergreens took its place. Beyond the evergreens, Alexander saw the scary glow from the copper mines.

“That’s your path. Remember it. Your journey doesn’t get easier from here. It’s perilous. I can’t prevent every folly, but I’ll be with you. Trust in your courage.”

Alexander bowed his head. “I don’t have the courage to walk up to the witch’s door and invite her to eat me. I’m just a kid.”

“Nonsense. And who said anything about knocking on her door? I mentioned your path is in her direction. That’s all. I would avoid her door if it were me. However, your plan might work if she were to die sometime between now and your arrival.”

“Thanks, Captain Obvious, that isn’t helping me.” Alexander looked around. He was still lost. “If you wanna help me, tell me how to get back to Malley.”

“And Abby.” He was an adult. They require adults to like all children even if you are a dead leprechaun.

“Sure and Abby.” The name crawled out of his mouth.

“Now, now, Alexander. Abby is a beautiful, delightful young girl.”

He forgot O’Toole could read his mind, seeing as he was in his mind. “You’re a psycho. She’s annoying. How do I get back?”

“You can annoy too. Be patient. She’ll grow on you.”

“Yeah, grow on me like a wart. Do you know where to go?” O’Toole didn’t answer. Great, I’ve made myself mad.

Five minutes passed. He couldn’t feel the spirit of O’Toole. He panicked after another five minutes elapsed.

“You’ve always known the way back.”

“O’Toole!” Alexander squealed. “Where did you go?”

“There were pressing matters. Hopefully, it won’t affect your journey.”

“O’Toole, how do I find Malley and Abby?”

“Tap your shoes together three times and repeat there’s no place like Malley.”

“What?” Alexander asked.

“Just kidding,” O’Toole laughed. “Close your eyes. See where you want to go.”

“I see … I see nothing. I can’t do this. Go possess Abby if she’s so delightful.”

“Be careful what you ask,” he scolded himself. “Try again, this time with a positive attitude.”

Alexander’s lip quivered, and he pretended to be hurt, which was hard to do because he knew he wouldn’t hurt himself. “Okay.”

“Good. Now once again, close your eyes. Look with your mind, not your conscience mind. Breathe in and feel what is possible,” O’Toole instructed.

“What?” Alexander asked.

“Close your eyes,” O’Toole instructed.

“Oh.” Alexander closed his eyes.

The sands swirled around him, and then he saw them, Abby and Malley.

“What do you see the boy?” O’Toole asked.

“You know what I see, Abby and Malley. They’re over there.” He pointed in the direction.

“Yes, that’s right. And that direction is where?” O’Toole yelled over the wind.

“I don’t know,” Alexander yelled back.

Alexander felt as if somebody or something physically pointed him in the right direction as the wind died down.

“Follow straight and true. Do not get distracted. They aren’t far.” O’Toole went silent.

“Got it. I’ve got to walk that direction, and you’ll be with me, right?”  Silence greeted him, except for the echoes of the shifting sand.

He needed O’Toole, but he seemed to be abandoned. A sudden light breeze blew him in the direction he needed to go.

“Thanks for the help.” He wondered if O’Toole was there. A chill ran down his body at the thought of O’Toole taking over his body. 

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

RETURN OF RALPH AND TRIXIE

A whisper awoke Alexander. “Wake up.” The cave was sweltering. Sweat ran off his skin drenching his clothing. Something was wrong. Was he awake or was he dreaming? He hovered over a lifeless body lying at his feet. Abby’s body laid a few feet to his right, her clothing soaked as well. Malley slept with his back to a wall, his reddened body glowing.

“Get your friends away from here.” His voice was not his own.

“How? We all look dead,” he answered himself, back in his voice.

“They’re still alive. There is still time, but you must hurry.” Alexander continued to have a conversation with him.

The heat became concentrated. “I’m just one small boy. I couldn’t possibly help.” He felt weak. His words faltered. The inside of his mouth burned so badly. It felt as if lava would spew from it at any minute.

“Trust in yourself, Master Sighs. There’s more to you than you could guess.” The voice whispered in such a way it touched his heart. O’Toole—it was his voice.

“O’Toole, where are you? How did you get here? Why can’t I see you?”

“There is not enough time to explain. You and I are one. I am you, and you are a part of me, and we call it leprechaun-kinder. I will explain later, but as usual, you have gotten yourself in a heap of trouble.”

“How…”

Alexander interrupted himself with a bop on the head. “Wake our friends. I’ll take control of the heavy lifting.”

 “Wake up,” Alexander yelled. He shook Malley and lifted his body over his shoulder and then scooped up Abby and rushed to the cave’s opening.

The effort caused his legs to ache. He burst out the cave right into the waiting arms of a pair of Pond Squirrels.

“They’re not quite done,” Trixie growled. “You always pride yourself on your barbecue expertise.”

“Yes, but you know I dislike man-meat, what with all the cholesterol and such. Plus, they came out on their own. It’s not my fault,” Ralph snapped back.

“I’ll eat your portion. Put them back this instant. There is no way I’m going to eat a half-cooked human. They taste half decent when they’re cooked properly,” Trixie ordered.

“What about the leprechaun?” Ralph dangled Malley from his fingers.

“I have no idea what to do with it. They have told me they’re an acquired taste.” Trixie thought for a moment. “Put the disgusting creature in your pocket. We’ll eat it for dessert.”

                                                                 

O’Toole/Alexander heard all they could stand. Before Alexander knew it, he rebuked his tormentors. “Cessar e desistir patifes dissolver no chan de onde vem. Non ningún poder sobre nós.”

Trixie and Ralph looked at Alexander with the same blank stare. Alexander just shrugged his shoulders. He had no idea what he said. All he knew was that it upset Trixie and Ralph.

Ralph convulsed. A look of pain contorted his face. He opened his mouth to speak, but only rancid breath came out. Dropping his dinner onto the ground, a final look of surrender etched onto his face. Without warning, Ralph melted into the ground. Trixie joined her husband in a puddle of nothingness.

Abby stood up and dusted herself off, “What did you say?”

Alexander shrugged, “I don’t know. I didn’t say nothing.”

“Did too.” She slugged him in the arm.

“I didn’t say anything, honest.” Alexander rubbed his arm and glared at the annoying princess.

“Whatever.” Abby stuck her nose in the air, tilting her head and brushing a strand of hair away.

“Abby, Alexander’s telling the truth.” Malley rubbed the kinks from his back.

She stood with her arms folded and facing away from the others. “Whatever.”

“He spoke in an ancient Leprechaunic dialogue. I don’t even know the language.”

“Uh huh, sure he did.” Abby refused to believe Alexander could do something she couldn’t do.

“Sorry, Abby, I couldn’t help it. I promise not to do it again.” Alexander couldn’t figure out why he apologized.

“Whatever.”

 “That’s enough,” Malley yelled. “We’re in enough trouble without the two of you bickering. Abby, please sit down.” He pointed to a rock. “Alexander, find out where we are.”

Abby and Alexander didn’t budge. They stood staring daggers at each other.

“Alexander, go.” Malley pointed toward the blank distance. “Abby, sit.”

Alexander took one last look at Abby, put two fingers to his eyes, and then pointed them at her.

Malley waited for Alexander to get out of earshot before he whispered to Abby. “This might be hard for you to understand. I find it hard.” He swallowed hard and looked to both sides. “Alexander didn’t say anything. It wasn’t him.”

Abby put her hands on her hips, rolled her eyes, and looked at him as if he lost his mind.

“Listen carefully. I don’t know if I can explain this. O’Toole knew he couldn’t survive and didn’t have the strength to save both him and Alexander when he sent the boy from the jail.” Scanning the horizon, he continued. “He attached a small portion of his soul to the kid. I should have figured it out sooner.”

“Figured what out?”

“The boy is leprechaun-kinder.” He continued scanning the horizon. “Where did the boy go? I asked him to figure out where we were. Not to get lost.”

“Wait, you can’t just tell me the little creep is a leprechaun-kidder and change the subject.”

“Kinder” Malley corrected her. “Leprechaun-kinder. There’s nothing much more to say. He’s one, and that’s that.”

Abby’s eyes squinted with curiosity. “You have to tell me more. Like, what did he tell those disgusting beasts?”

“I am sworn to secrecy, but I can tell you O’Toole is possessing Alexander and that will come in handy. As for what he said, remember, I don’t speak that dialect. The best I can figure out is he told the squirrels to leave us alone and to return to the ground, or something like it.”

“Oh.” Abby plopped down on the ground and ran her hand through her hair.

“Where’s that boy? He should be back by now.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

SANDSLIMER

The slow rippling of the sand hypnotized Alexander. He knew he should run, but could not move. The soothing sound of the shifting sand was hypnotizing. He swayed like a cobra when its master played the flute.

He knew that his life might be in danger. His breathing slowed. A soothing calmness urged him to close his eyes. He couldn’t move. The ever-changing, rippling sand inched closer. He was under its control. Run, he said to himself, but his body refused to obey. What is that thing? He didn’t know the answer. The heat and the music of the smooth sand combined to make a deathly concoction.

His whole body felt at ease. He eagerly awaited his fate as if it was an expected birthday present. Of course, not many gifts include certain death, and not too many thirteen-year-old boys eagerly await their fate.

The sand arose and formed a ring around him. It like he was the eye of the hurricane. There was no time to feel fear. Alexander’s world went blank.

                                                                       

Alexander awoke with a startle. He was in a dark, smelly cave. Small shards of light filtered in through small gaps in the wall.

He felt his arms, stomach, and head, making sure they were still there. He seemed to be uninjured, except for a small bump on his forehead and a horrible headache. The rumbling in his stomach reminded him he was hungry.

Where am I?

Shadows slowly crept across the cave wall. He was alone in a cave with no weapons, no food, nowhere to hide, and in no mood to fight the creatures causing the shadows. “Alexander?” whispered a familiar voice.

“Abby?” Alexander tried to sit up, but he lacked the strength.

“Whoa, there Alexander,” exclaimed Malley.

“You’re still supposed to be resting.” Abby stooped beside him, pouring water onto a rag. She then applied the cloth to Alexander’s forehead.

“I don’t need to sleep. Where’ve you been? I was alone when the sand moved.” Alexander stopped to take a breath. “It was awful.”

“You’re unbelievably lucky, my lad. We got there just as the sandslimer was about to gobble you up. No one has ever faced that beast and lived to tell about it.” Malley smiled. “It seemed as if you have been leprechaun charmed, which is impossible.”

“It was kinda cool,” Abby smiled. “Where’s O’Toole?”

“So if I was so cool, how come I have no memory of how I got here?”

“You were passed out,” Malley looked beyond Alexander. “Where’s O’Toole?”

Alexander’s eyes got misty. He fumbled for the right words to say. He shrugged his shoulders just as the dam burst. “O’Toole.” Buckets of tears cascaded down his cheeks. “O’Toole … O’Toole saved my life.”

“He has a habit of doing that, but what happened to him?”

“He’s…” tears still flowed. It broke Alexander’s heart.

“Dead?” Abby completed the sentence.

Alexander nodded his head.

“How?” Malley was in shock.

“Don’t badger him. Can’t you see he’s in pain? He’ll answer when he’s able.” Abby hugged Alexander. “We need to figure out what to do next.”

 “You’re right we need to decide the next step in our quest. Give me a few minutes.” Malley glanced at Alexander one last time. “For some unknown reason, the sandslimer beast couldn’t hypnotize you deeply. So he couldn’t eat you.” Malley stroked his chin. “I’ve heard of instances like this.”

“I’m sorry. It should’ve been me that died.”

“You know little about leprechauns. O’Toole is resilient.” I can only hope he’s resilient. This time, his death might be hard to bounce back from.

 “We should get some rest and sort things out in the morning after a hearty breakfast.” Without O’Toole in charge, the whole quest was now in jeopardy. “I suggest we sleep in shifts, as we have little clue about who or what has occupied this cave, and how long ago. I, being the remaining leprechaun, shall take the first watch.”

Malley sat with his back to the fire as it dwindled into ashes. How can I lead the group? I’m here for comic relief. The quest is doomed, and we haven’t even gotten to the dangerous part. His mind wandered, and his eyes grew tired and slowly shut.

The cave became unbearably warm as if they were in a toaster oven.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

O‘TOOLE

Thousands of cell doors flew open, and thousands of prisoners ran for their freedom. The guards cowered in the crevices between the cells and could do nothing to prevent the escape.

Within minutes, the whole castle was in chaos. The few remaining loyal guards chased the mob of enraged prisoners. The prisoners ran amuck through the pantry and library. More prisoners streamlined through the throne room. Chaos was the rule, except for Alexander. He sat in his cell like a stubborn mule.

      O’Toole couldn’t understand why the boy didn’t run free like the other prisoners. He wanted to leave Alexander, but his conscience wouldn’t allow it.

“What’s your problem?” hissed O’Toole.

“I’m not going until my sentence is over.” Alexander sat with his arms crossed.

“What!? Have you been thumped in the noggin?” O’Toole threw his hands in the air rolled his eyes and slapped his head.

Alex ignored him.

“Kid, they have sentenced you to life or longer,” said O’Toole, begging Alexander to follow his orders. “You have to leave with everyone else.”

“Nope.”

“Abby did this for you, and I don’t even know if she’s alive or dead,” said O’Toole, concerned. “Who knows? Maybe Hadley ate her.”

“Who’s Hadley?” Alexander asked as he whipped around. “Did you hear that?”

“I heard nothing.” O’Toole glanced around the room.

“Listen.”

O’Toole put his hands to his ears, “It’s like a million people are inside my head telling me we should go now.” His face became contorted. “And I mean, like right NOW.”

Within seconds hundreds of tiny mice oozed from the wall, snapping at the group with their razor-sharp teeth.

O’Toole grabbed Alexander like a sack of potatoes and sprinted to the door, but the mice blocked the exit.

The remaining toothy rodents regrouped and charged after the O’Toole and Alexander, who jumped up on the bed. The flesh-eating mice surrounded the bed. O’Toole grabbed his shillelagh but dropped it, and the mice snapped his fingers when he tried to pick it up.

Great. Alexander figured it doomed him, for the fifth or sixth time since the journey began just two or three days ago. He lost track.

“What are we going to do? I’m kinda too young to die by having my flesh eaten away.” Alexander asked O’Toole, who seemed to ignore him.

O’Toole wasn’t ignoring Alexander. He was summoning up all of his strength. The rodents now climbed onto to each other’s backs, building a tower of destruction. Layer upon layer, they inched their way to the bed like a giant wave. Layer upon layer, O’Toole, and Alexander kicked them, bashed them with pillows, and whipped them with the sheets. Nevertheless, it was futile. They couldn’t keep up with the onslaught of the annoying rodents. No sooner than one group fell than another would appear. The flesh-eating mice finally breached the bed.

“I can’t hold them off much longer.” O’Toole kicked away the rodents nipping at his heels.

Tears mounted in the corner of Alexander’s eyes. He wiped his eyes with his sleeve and decided he would put up a fight rather than letting his skin be lunch.

“I didn’t say they defeated us,” O’Toole said. “I mentioned I couldn’t go on much longer.” Alexander looked at him curiously. “I’m conserving my strength, but it’s time.”

“Time?”

“Yes, I’m going to send you away. I wish I could find the strength for us both.” More mice were nipping at his heels. The mice ate away his shoe and were making a feast of the rest of his toes.

“I won’t leave you here alone.”

“Don’t be foolish. I’m sending you far away from the castle. Abby and Malley should follow. Wait for them.” O’Toole mumbled something that Alexander could not hear, and then he smiled at Alexander and said, “Remember to wait for Malley and Abby. They will find you.”

                                                                       

Alexander woke up, alone, on the great salt beach, miles from the prison. The sun beat down on the sand, heating it to critical conditions. There was nothing but miles and miles of salt.

He called for O’Toole, hoping he escaped the mice, but there was no answer. Tears filled his eyes. O’Toole gave his life to save Alexander. Neither Abby nor Malley was anywhere around. He remembered O’Toole’s last words. He was to wait for them.

He scanned the horizon in all directions. All he saw was dry sand and water. There were no visible mountains or anything on the horizon. Time slipped by slowly with no sign of another living person. He wondered what his brother and sister were doing at home even though he knew what they were doing. Brother was practicing swords while sister practiced walking around with books on her head. He wondered if his mother or father missed him. He asked himself why he came along on this ill-fated adventure.

He missed his family. He even missed Malley and Abby.

The lazy sun slowly moved from the east to the west. All I need to do is follow the sun. O’Toole told me to wait for his companions. Alexander sighed. In the distance, he saw a beast jump through the sand. Great, all I need is a huge sand bug. The sand suddenly rippled. He froze. Abby and Malley better hurry if they want to get here while I’m still alive.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

HADLEY

The explosion rocked the castle, but the cell door remained intact. Dozens of castle guards stormed the prison, only to run into Brutus, Abby’s fire-breathing puppy, who wanted to play.

“What went wrong?” asked Malley.

 “Come on.” She dashed into a darkened hallway. “The explosives didn’t work. Okay, it rocked the whole prison, except Alexander’s cell. We need another plan.” The dark corridor led to a jagged cliff with a river of lava flowing beneath. “It’s just dangerous.”

“What about the cell?” Malley followed Abby. He looked down into the abyss, nearly slipped, and then closed his eyes and inched himself along. “I suppose it’s too late to tell you I’m afraid of heights.”

Abby grabbed Malley’s hand, and they inched along the ledge, their backs against the cold, wet wall. Finally, they reached a circular stairway with no handrails that led down into the pit.

 “Are you sure this is safe?” Malley asked, standing as close to the wall as he could get.

“Not really, but it’s far safer than my father’s wrath. He doesn’t like it when I disobey a direct order.”

A terrifying roar came from below.

“I think the dragon’s awake,” Malley whispered.

“Hurry,” Abby yelled as she raced down the stairs three rungs at a time, Malley right behind her. The sound of flapping dragon wings echoed in the dark cavern. They reached a small door just as the dragon reached them.

“Well, look at what I’ve found.” The dragon’s voice was sickly sweet, and her breath smelled of barbecue. “The princess and her little toad friend have come to visit me. Look. It’s dinner time.”

“Go away, Hadley.”

Hadley pretended it hurt her feelings. “I’m so sad that little Princess Nora doesn’t want to play with me. But it doesn’t prevent me from playing with the toad, does it?”

“I’m not a toad. I’m a leprechaun. Leave now, and I’ll forget the whole thing.”

“Oh how delightful, a threat from the tiny creature. Mighty big words from one so small.” Hadley raised her head and roared. “What are you, besides stupid?”

Malley freed his shillelagh from his pocket. Sparks flew from the end. “I’m your worst nightmare, and now you’ve been warned.”

“Oh, I’m shaking. The nasty little thing’s going to hit me with his stick.” Hadley played with the leprechaun, pretending to be afraid.

“I’m a leprechaun and tired of being messed with.” Malley managed all his strength. “I warned you.” Malley swung his shillelagh, wildly hitting Hadley in the nose. Sparks spewed from the weapon, igniting a small fire on the dragon’s snout.

It shocked Hadley. The leprechaun dared to attack her. Nobody ever attacked her. “You will pay for this,” she growled, just as her nose burned out of control. “I’ll be back. You’ve just made a mortal enemy.”

“Yeah, just come back, there’s more waiting for you.” Malley collapsed in relief. He never expected it to work without O’Toole.

Abby patted the leprechaun on his back and curtsied, impressed by Malley’s bravery. “That was so cool, but we don’t have much time. I want you to go back to the cell and tell Alexander and O’Toole to stand clear of the door.”

“What?” Malley was shocked.

“You heard me! Now go,” Abby walked down a few rungs and turned to Malley, who refused to move. She placed her hands on her hips and sighed. “Honestly, you can do it.”

“Do what?”

“Go help Alexander, and tell him to stand clear of the door,” Abby yelled as she ran.

“What?”

                                                                 

Abby darted into a room. “Trust me. All I need to do is pull the main lever in the control room,” she yelled from the control room. “The lever operates all the cell doors, but something haunts the room. You don’t want to be here. Go help Alexander. Go NOW.” Abby counted, giving Malley time to find his way back to Alexander. The control room was empty. She knew it would be empty because her father arrested the last operator.

The room smelled like moldy bread. The ghosts couldn’t remember the last time someone had visited the control room. Its only function was to open the cell doors, and nobody ever got released from the prison, so the chamber became obsolete.

One lone folding chair sat beside a lone wooden lever.

I’ve given Malley enough time to reach the cell. A smoky gray inch thick film covered the chair. That’s so disgusting. I can do this, all I need to do is pull the lever and get out, Abby thought as calmly as she could.

The room grew cold as grotesque faces appeared on the wall. The faces developed into disfigured human beings. Abby backed away from the dust-covered chair. Trembling, she fell to the floor, unable to reach the lever.

An apparition separated himself from the others. Dressed in only a nightshirt and holding his head in his hands, he spoke. His voice was halting and labored. “Fear not, child. We won’t harm you. Many of us have been waiting a long time for this occasion. Too many of us have given up.”

“What do you want?” Abby asked without looking up.

“Why, isn’t that obvious child? We want you to free us too.” He let out a scream. “We have tarried here far too long.”

“Free you? How can I free you? You’re kinda all dead.”

“Indeed, we have passed our mortality. However, we are doomed to haunt this cursed place. You’re the only mortal brave enough to attempt pulling the lever.”

Abby realized that pulling the lever meant freedom for all the prisoners, not just Alexander. The apparitions parted as she walked to the lever. I hope Malley is ready. She thought as she gave a mighty tug at the lever.