Chapter 73

Jim

Mindy’s mom and a guy rushed up to us. “Melinda? You scared me to death!”

“I’m okay, Mom, we all are.”

Sammy slipped out of Mindy’s arms and was having an animated discussion with Winni and Tripod. ’Punzel started to take an interest. She added details to Tripod’s comments and my daughter--the consummate diplomat--took her hand. “You can do magic like me and my mom, right? We have a lot to learn, but I bet you could teach us.”

’Punzel blushed and stumbled over her words. “Of course. If it is allowed.”

The dude with Mary Katherine introduced himself and shook everyone’s hand. “Harry, Dr. Harry Meltzer.” The doctor gazed at the sky. “The magic influx appears to be stable. The atmospheric effects have ceased.”

Huh, I thought to myself.

“And Earth has retained magic, per my calculations.”

“How can you tell?” Mindy asked.

“The Ortharians retain their sanity and the magically talented Earthlings can use magic. The curious part is this. What of the Blinks? Will interactions between the worlds cease? Are the people of Ortharos trapped here?”

“Oh, I can answer that one, Doc,” I said, pleased to be able to contribute.

“Yes?”

“That sword I used to chop Mr. Death--I got that from Ortharos. There’s a...well, I’m not sure what it is, but there’s a way to get there in the cemetery.”

“The portals have stabilized.” Harry clapped his hands and hugged Mindy’s mom.

Uh oh. I think our free babysitter will be busy in the future.