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After several heartfelt embraces—with Finlay jumping from one to the other to get his share of the hugs—they felt ready to plan their escape. The room, like many in Scarface’s strange abode, didn’t have any doors. Aidan arched an eyebrow.
“I’d give anything to see an emergency exit sign. What do they do in this country if there’s a fire?”
“They let it burn. Prisoners make excellent firewood.”
“Boys, your sense of humor really cracks me up. As soon as we’re back, I promise to book you a venue for your blockbuster show. But for now, don’t we have more pressing matters at hand?
“Don’t worry, Sara. Cosmo explained it all to me. All we need to do is nibble on a walnut, express our desire to get out of here, and then we’ll be safe and sound. We have our very own magic lanterns.”
Titiana responded in a soft voice, “I don’t think that will be enough, Arthur. Not here. The only one who can get us out is the one who put us here.”
Albin was getting increasingly exasperated.
“How can you be so sure? And by the way, why were we locked up separately?”
Arthur came over and tapped his shoulder.
“She’s the princess, don’t you remember?”
“Oh sure, Artie. For you everything’s so clear, but I’d to hear what she has to say.”
“Arthur’s right. But you deserve a more detailed answer, I agree. There’s so much to tell, and until recently I knew so little about it. I’m curious about, well, those walnuts you mentioned. The person who gave them to you, is he tall, with a voice that could charm honey from the bees, with a patched hat worn low on his forehead? Does he have a big sack that looks as if it could hold all sorts of treats?”
“Come on, Titiana, that would be Santa Claus you’re describing.”
“No, Aidan. He visited me often when I was a child. I believe he holds the key to the mystery, everything, Lalea’s secrets. But...he’s not here. And—”
“I’M HERE.”
The booming voice came from Scarface who had finally caught up with them. In an instant he was in the room without their seeing how he’d gotten in.
“Oh yes, my children, you weren’t expecting to see me so soon I suppose. Sorry to ruin your family reunion. Perhaps you’d prefer I stop by a little later?”
“Good idea. We’ll give you a call.”
As fast as lightning, Scarface had grabbed Aidan and sent him flying against the wall. He sunk to the ground, his head bent to his chest at an awkward angle as if he’d suddenly tried to hear the beating of his heart. Down below, the scenery was moving in fast forward, engulfed with smoke and dark, stormy clouds.
No one dared move. There was no longer any way out, no magic wand. Scarface towered over them looking angrier than they had ever seen him. He reached for Titiana. So much for the carefully planned ritual, the sacrifice of the princess in front of her disciples. Not having the opportunity to begin his reign with such a ceremony put a damper on his mood. Once the princess died, every last bit of power would be invested in him. He was reaching the end of his patience.
His hand brushed Titiana’s shoulder, but no farther. In one leap, Finlay had grabbed hold of Scarface’s cheek and began tearing up what had remained unblemished. Scarface didn’t have enough hands to swat him away. Blood didn’t hesitate to flow from the wounds Finlay was inflicting on him, first in narrow rows, then in gushing streams. Finlay’s placidity had turned into fury as he bit and punctured the eye above the first scar. Scarface gave up using his hands to push him away, so he closed what remained of his eyelid. At that moment, a powerful vermillion aura enveloped him. He loosened Finlay’s grasp and flung him against the same wall where Aidan lay. In scarcely a few minutes he had transformed two of his assailants into inert bodies. Nothing seemed capable of stopping him, his anger fueling his strength. Total slaughter would soon be underway.
He burst into a sick laughter. He had been caught off guard by Finlay’s attack, but judging from the pale faces of his enemies, there was no more resistant left in them. Thinking about the power within his grasp intoxicated him. Soon, his wounds would be nothing more than a pleasant memory. His anger was now replaced by contentment. Nothing could stop him now. He would savor the experience of squeezing the princess’s neck until it broke. So sure he was of it, that he gave himself a moment to contemplate the scene.
