With a little persuasion, Miss Prudy had agreed to The Royal Posse’s request to have their lunch in Lilli’s quarters, but not before reminding them that the rules are the rules. She had seemed relieved that the children would not require her supervision. Her help was much more needed in the kitchen.
The Royal Posse was disappointed King David, aka Grandfather, was no longer sitting at the dining room table. They wanted to thank him. It was his, “How can children learn responsibility if they are never given responsibility” speech that had made the difference in Miss Prudy’s decision. They glanced around the room, but he was nowhere in sight.
The royal foursome headed across the room and out the door, where they were greeted by none other than Grandfather. He gave them a big smile, a little wink and said, “I don’t know what you kids are up to, but stay out of trouble and have some fun.” Then with a quick motion of his hand he sent them hurrying back up the long hall, with a piece of good advice and a pizza carton in hand. Once in Lilli’s room they quickly finished their lunch and got to work.
Ryan paced around the room. He looked quite serious and king like with his hands clasped behind his back. He cleared his throat and spoke in a very strong voice, “When trying to untie a knot, it is easier if you can see both ends of the string.” He was not sure what it meant, but his Grandfather was fond of saying it when he had a problem to solve.
Lilli knew immediately what it meant, and he was right. They needed to know the history of the Land Of Shenanigans if they were to solve it’s mystery. The “When did it happen, how did it happen and who made it happen?”
However the first problem they had to solve was finding out who had been in the passageway. If it was Shenanigan, they had to find him before he caused any more trouble.
It was decided Ryan and Lilli would begin to search while Kaylyn and Aidan would remain behind to explain their absence, should the need arise.
Ryan and Lilli tried to conceal their fear as they walked down the dark passageway. Miss Prudy’s whistle could be heard as she helped prepare for tonight’s banquet. If they were close to the kitchen, the door in front of them had to lead to the storage room.
The door made a scary creaking sound as they slowly opened it. As the door closed behind them both Lilli and Ryan were secretly questioning their decision to enter this big, dark scary room!
Lilli was glad she had the flashlight from Kammy’s backpack, though it’s beam did cast an eerie light on the items that had been stored there for decades, creating weird shadows on the walls.
Lilli held tight to Ryan’s arm, as they moved slowly through the room. Ryan was grateful for Lilli’s hand on his arm, it was comforting to know he was not completely alone. Neither had ever been so frightened. They had thought they sensed movement then quickly decided it was just nerves and their imaginations.
Suddenly, a scary figure jumped out from the dark and terrified Lilli and Ryan with a loud “BOO!”
Standing there with an ornery little grin on his face, was Shenanigan! His smug attitude made it clear he was pleased with the results of his prank. It was several minutes before Lilli and Ryan stopped shaking. At least they had found him. Or to be correct, Shenanigan had found them!