Chapter 17

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"You know, I really wish we didn't lose our Caravan!" Eugene shouted above the storm, pulling his hood down further.

Rapunzel leaned into Max, whom she was leading since Varian was riding him.  The rain was bouncing off of Cassandra's new armor.  She was leading Fidella, who was carrying their supplies.

"What's that!" Lance pointed to a building shaped like a shell.

"Let's go!  Maybe whoever lives there will let us stay to pass the storm," Rapunzel said.

They walked over and knocked on the door.  It swung open, revealing a man in red clothes.  "Hello!" Rapunzel waved.  "We are so sorry to bother you, but we lost our Caravan and we need a dry place to stay.  Just long enough for the rain to subside.

"Oh, my," the man began.  "Look how wet all of you are. Do you suppose that's because of the rain?"

"Uh, could we come in?" Lance asked.

"Of course, of course." The man stepped aside and let them in. "My name is Matthews, and you are all welcome. Except the horses. They shed too much and leave 'oof prints in the carpeting. Oui? It's the stable for you."

"They'll lead themselves there," Eugene said, passing Max and Fidella an apologetic look.

"Wow! This place is amazing," Rapunzel exclaimed.

"It is, yes, but so are pockets. You can put anything in one, so long as it's smaller than the pocket itself," Matthews said poetically.

"You know, I like to put my hands in mine," Lance said.

"Right, okay. So, this place is made entirely of shells?" Varian inquired, leaning on his staff.  Well, it was a stick Eugene had found that was sturdy enough to use to help Varian walk.  He was still weak from the incantation accident three day prior.

"I see you've noticed. Let me guess. You must be the genius of the group, oui?" Matthews chuckled. "Indeed, a large shell house in the middle of the forest doesn't seem to belong. But then again, neither do you. And yet, here you are. There are refreshments in the lounge
and rooms enough for all of you.  Feel free to explore if you wish."

"Thank you so much, Mr. Matthews," Rapunzel said.

The man merely nodded before leaving. The group found themselves in a hall with both walls full of doors.  Lance opened the one nearest to him.  "Woah!  I do not think that this is a bedroom, but look at this!"

"A toy room?" Varian looked unimpressed.

Rapunzel picked up a large bear and turned to Eugene. "Hello! My name is Eugene Fitzher-bear... rawr!"

"Wow, yeah, your teddy bear voice could use some work," he teased.  "Not to mention your
pun skills, Blondie."

"Okay, fine, fine," she pouted.

"Whoever all this belongs to is one lucky kid," Andrew said looking over a toy ship.  "Or, more likely, spoiled."

"Okay, playtime's over," Cassandra retorted, setting the toy ship back on the shelf.

"Aw, come on, Cass! Lighten up. When do we ever get the chance to play with amazing toy swords like this?" Lance said holding up a wooden swords.

"You do realize we have actual swords., right?" She scoffed.

"Yeah, but, uh, since these are just toys… they don't hurt!" He wacked her on the arm.

"Ouch." She glared at him.

"Ok, they might bruise," Lance admitted.

"Anyways, like Andrew said.  These probably belong to a kid.  Come on, I'm tired."

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