An hour later, I can barely believe my eyes. I’m home.
We’ve ditched our bakers’ clothes, slipped out of Gnome-olia Bakery without pinching cinnamon rolls, and are now standing in the middle of Enchantasia village square. The fountain still gurgles and sputters like a geyser every hour on the hour. Peddlers bustle by with their carts, selling trinkets, mini magical scrolls, and Rapunzel’s hair-care products. Villagers bang into us on their way to work or school while Pegasi fly overhead, dropping Pegasus Posts to homes, boots, oversized teapots, and other shops.
I hear the clock tower chime 9:00 a.m. and scan the crowd for my siblings. They should be on their way to trade school, and I know they used to pass right through the square so Felix could make a wish at the fountain. Just beyond it, I spot the gold-colored building with the famous quill-and-scroll sign—Happily Ever After Scrolls: Enchanting Enchantasia with the News One Scroll at a Time! There is only one main door, and goblins, trolls, and pixies are flying through it on their way to work. How are we going to get past them? How are we… Do I smell shoe polish?
Home. Father’s shop is just around the corner. I haven’t seen our crowded boot in so long, but with it just feet away, I feel a longing. I begin to walk toward the square that leads to our street and feel my arm yanked back.
“Don’t be foolish.” Jax holds my arm. He and Maxine are leaning against a wall near the farmers market. “The square is way too public. We need to keep our heads down and stay out of large areas.”
“But—” I protest.
Jax’s violet eyes are all knowing. “I can tell what you’re thinking, thief, but it’s too risky. You can’t visit your sister.”
My heart sinks.
Maxine pulls her scroll out of her pocket and glances at it again. “I’m so nervous! What if my mystery note-giver didn’t see my post on the HEAS comments? What if she forgets to wear a red cloak? What if we can’t get inside? What if…?”
I place a hand over her mouth. “What if we wait and see what happens?”
Ollie walks over holding a shabby cloak. “New disguise for Gilly! Look what I nabbed! These babies were waiting by Goodwill.” He offers me the cloak.
“Why do I need a new disguise?” I ask.
“You’re famous! I’ve seen people staring at you,” Jax explains. “People know you’re at FTRS. If you’re recognized, we’ll be toast. Put these on and try to stay in the shadows. You can be our point person.”
What? That’s just…gingerbread! When did my hero work suddenly become a liability? I tie a brown cape that smells like molasses around my shoulders. I tuck my brown hair in and pull the hood over my head, tying it tight so it doesn’t fall off. “If I’m the point person, I’ll alert you if I see Pete and his goons. I can spot the Dwarf Police Squad from three carriages away.”
“Mmm, do you smell that?” Ollie asks, closing his eyes and inhaling sharply. “Caramel cakes. I haven’t had one since I was on the high seas.”
The clock in the square chimes nine fifteen. “Okay, here’s how it’s going to go down.” Jax sounds in command. “Maxine and I will scout out the security at the building, making Maxine’s presence known. Maybe her source will see her and come down. Everyone look for a person in a red cloak. If that doesn’t work, we’ll try to get inside. Gilly, you’re on point for the Dwarf Police Squad. Kayla, you look for alternate exits along with Ollie, who will pretend to be a shopper in the square. If anyone spots us, we meet at the Pegasi valet stand. Got it?”
“Huh?” Ollie’s eyes are watering, and his tongue is sticking out of his mouth. “They’re oozing caramel and—whoa! They dunked a patty cake in caramel! Caramel inside and outside the cake. Genius! Would it be so wrong if I pinched one?”
“Ollie,” we moan.
“They won’t see me swipe it!” he insists. “If I juggle apples and do the ear trick, they’ll be so distracted that they won’t even notice.”
“No patty cakes.” I turn him away from the cart and toward a vendor selling satin gloves. “Look like Ella!” the sparkly, glowing sign screams. “If we get caught, we’re doomed. And we still don’t know how we’re getting home yet.”
“We’ll worry about that after.” Jax uses a calming voice I associate with royal speeches. “First, we need Maxine’s source to show herself and talk. We have to find that leak in the castle before—”
Maxine burps. “Sorry! I’m nervous!”
“Oooh! Look at those Ella gloves!” Kayla coos.
“Patty cakes!” Ollie stretches his arms out to the sweet cart.
This is why I usually work alone. Our crew is a mess. I can do so much more without all these distractions. “Everyone,” I say sharply. “We broke out of FTRS. We could be spotted at any moment. Flora might figure out we’re missing. Let’s keep our eye on the dragon.”