PART TWO

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Tobias’s sailor hat flopped around in the wind, hitting Eli in the face as he looked around, the tracks going through the gates. 

People in bright pink and purple clothes roamed the courtyard of the castle, giving the four children curious looks. 

“Ow!” Eli yelled as the minecart hit a stop, throwing him into its large blue sail. Tobi and Maeve lay sprawled out on the floor, while Jade sits, holding the back plank of the cart untouched.

“You should’ve seen the stopper guys.” Jade sighed as she carefully stood up and hopped out of the side of the minecart, Eli trailing close behind.

A man in a wild purple hat walked up to the two. “ ‘Ello kids! What mighta caused you two to end  up ‘ere?”

“There are actually four of us, but two are knocked out. Wait..! Tobi! Maeve! Are you guys okay?!” He yelled, running back to the cart. 

Jade shook her head at the man. “Please give us a moment. This arrival was… unexpected.” Then she walked over to Eli.

“Are they awake?” Jade asked, touching Eli’s back.

“No, but they’re breathing. They look a little scratched up though. What do we do?” Eli worried. “I agree they seem fine, just knocked unconscious. Let’s just get out of here, then—” Jade started before Eli turned to her, eyes wide.

“No! Let’s bring them to the King or Queen of this place, they’ll know what to do, right? The people here seem… friendly.”

“How do you know there is a monarchy here?” 

Eli looked at her. “Well, this place wouldn’t just be built for fun! We’ll bring them to whoever their ruler is, and they’ll help.” 

Jade looks at him. “Well, we can try. But if this all ends horribly, I’ll blame it on you.”

 He laughed nervously. “You don’t really think it’ll end badly do you?”

“Oh, 100% I do.” She smiled, holding his hand. “But we’ll figure it out.”

“What are you two lovebirds doing…” Tobias grumbled, half-conscious. Immediately, they let go of each other’s hands, looking away awkwardly. Jade went up to Tobias. 

“How are you feeling Tobias?” Jade asked. “Do you have headaches or a feeling of pressure in your head or neck pains? Are you dizzy and lightheaded? Can you see well?”

“Uh… My head hurts. Also, turn the lights off please.” Tobias squinted up at Eli and Jade. “And get Maeve off me?”

As Eli slid Maeve off Tobias, Jade shook her head. “I think you have a concussion, Tobi.”

“Did I… fall off… my horse?”

“Yep, you definitely have a concussion.” She gave him a sideways smile. “Lay down, and just… rest.”

“No!” Tobias blinked. “I want to help!”The two watched as Tobias struggled to regain his balance. With a burst of enthusiasm, he stood up and jumped, or rather fell, out of the cart and landed on the ground with a soft thud. The three of them approached the man wearing the purple hat, who was standing nearby with a confused expression.

“Excuse me,” Jade frowned, getting the man's attention. “We need your help. Our friend over there is unconscious and needs medical help immediately. Do you have some form of leader here who could help us?

The man's smile stretched unnaturally wide, his face changing . "We do. And she’ll definitely want to meet you.”

Eli glanced back at Maeve and shook off his fear. He and his friends set off after the man, ready to face whatever mystery lay ahead.

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