“Now we’ll see what that little…” She couldn’t think of a word low or disgusting enough to describe her feelings toward her nephew. “Never mind, we’ll get rid of them all. Then things can get back to normal.”
“What? What?” Cyandre’s squeak brought attention back to her. “Where do I go? I’m ready now.”
Swirl had not heard so much determination before. And that it came from such a small squeaky voice made it all the more impressive. “Beyond the fountain of fire is a castle. You need to make a home there. Listen well.”
“Listen?” said Cyndre. “But I want to do more.”
Swirl laughed. “You will, my little friend, but first be patient.” She turned to Pearl. “We’ll talk more later, but first help your daughter find her new residence. Here are your directions.” She waved her hand and as on a star map formed, Coordinates with pictures of the cavern and fountain formed a background to a bright pathway that traveled across it.
“Oh goody. Goody.” From her middle, two of Cyndre’s longest legs stretched out and tapped together.
***
Finny straightened. He’d been studying the book Mrs. Sanders had given him. More of the pages had gained words and pictures. Misty took over tutoring and pointed out many stories about his grandmother.
“And if you think Mama Jack is something, wait until you meet your other grandparents.” Misty’s whinny prompted Finny to look closer.
“How come I never met them before?” He’d grown up with only his parents. Until recently he hadn’t met any of his grandparents. Mama Jack was the first. Now he learned the other three were alive and well. Here was Papa Hal. Soon the other two would arrive.
In the meantime, let’s get some work done. Hal show him what you can do. Mama Jack stepped back.
“I’ve always been close, to watch over you,” said Papa Hal.
Finny hesitated, then realized it was alright for now to talk out loud. “I never saw you.”
“Because I didn’t want you to.” Papa Hal smiled. “I’ve always been near, but I could only protect you from a distance.”
Finny scratched his head. “Near? But at a distance? That doesn’t make any sense.”