“Excellent!” Lance cheered “Are you getting information about the creatures on the preserve?”

“We’re discussing whatever creatures we might meet on our trip tomorrow" Josh replied

"Are you writing everything down?" Lance asked

"No I'm not writing anything down" Josh refused "I'll remember everything"

"Then at least have Eve sit in with you" Lance requested "She'll take notes and you won't even notice she's there"

“Eve will join us soon” Josh said “but she’s not here to take notes, she’s here to be our strategist and earn you points”

“She is more than capable of multitasking” Lance replied

“Of course” Josh sighed “Do you have any news?”

“Unfortunately we’ve lost two newbies” Lance said dismissively

“What? How?” Josh shouted

“The plumber and bank teller used their allowance to purchase some majirana” Lance explained “They were then found and arrested by local police. They’re being held until the police can figure out who the are"

“What the hell” Josh sighed “So they’re not dead, why couldn't you have just said that? You guys can go bail them out then”

“We actually won’t” Lance said carefully “Logan, Matt, and I decided to let them remain in police custody until the movie ends”

“You can’t just leave them in jail” Josh argued

“They’re safer there than walking on the streets” Lance countered “No one was killed in the police station. They’ll rejoin once this movie ends”

“Whatever” Josh sighed, too tired to argue “Anything else?”

“Sidney was invited to a party tonight” Lance said “Just like in the movie”

“Is she going?” Josh questioned

“No she wants to stay home” Lance said “Matt and I however will be attending. I want to identify the remaining killers”

“Is it alright to alter the plot like this?” Josh asked “The movie is supposed to end tonight”

“God never gave us a time limit” Lance said “God put an entire hidden magical world in this movie. I refuse to believe we wouldn’t have some time to explore past the movie plot”

“That's not very reassuring” Josh said but knew there was no going back now

“Everything will be fine” Lance reassured “Eve will call us sometime tomorrow before you set out and I’ll let you know how it goes tonight”

“Just be careful” Josh said seriously “Keep everyone alive”

“Don’t worry Josh” Lance said “It’s just a highschool party”

After exchanging farewells Josh hung up the phone and made his way back to his room, grabbing Eve on the way.

Early the next morning the team of six assembled in front of the cabin. The early rays of the sun were just beginning to light up the world. Blake stood in front of the group with the map of the preserve open. A path was marked in highlighter, revealing the planned route to the hamlet.

“We’ll be passing several dangerous territories” Blake explained “Most of the residents are nocturnal so as long as we travel quietly on the path we won’t have to meet them. However some are unavoidable”

As he spoke Blake began pointed at different points along the trail

“A gate troll named Buka guards a bridge we need to cross. I’ll bargain with him for our passage, we already have a deal for my monthly trip. He shouldn’t be a threat as long as I do the bargaining. That will be our first and only guaranteed encounter. As long as we stay on the path and travel quietly we’ll arrive safely to the hamlet by five in the afternoon”

"What can you tell us about gate trolls" Louie asked

“They’re one of the smaller variations of trolls” Blake said “They are also called bully trolls. They like to take ownership of areas of travel like bridges and gates. Gives them a feeling of power they wouldn’t get otherwise. They’re strong but rarely do they fight directly”

The group set off on one of the many trails surrounding the cabin. Travelling through the forest, the group made good time travelling over the tree covered hills. A little after an hour of walking a large wooden bridge came into view. As the group approached it a scaley troll came scurrying out from beneath the bride. He stood confident in front of the bridge as the team came closer. Under the bridge a loud stream flowed swiftly.

"We need to cross Buka" Blake said sternly "Let us pass and I will arrange for a dozen fat geese to be brought to you in two days"

"Hmm" the troll hummed "You have a lot of humans crossing my fragile bridge. Heavy stompers too. My ears were ringing from hearing them blunder through the forest. I will take no less than ten geese for every human crossing my bridge"

"You keep your bridge in perfect condition" Blake argued "I will be generous and offer you fifteen geese. Don't be greedy Buka. Did you forget who got you monthly feedings? I know you don't want to go back to once a year"

"Buka no want that" the troll said "but Buka needs fair reimbursement. How about one of you humans stays as Buka's pet. The rest can cross."

"No one is becoming your pet" Blake denied "we all need to cross"

"Then you better make Buka a better deal" the troll said stubbornly

“I have a deal for you” Josh spoke suddenly

The troll turned to face the teen

“What you want?” Buka said

"How about we pay you for each step on your bridge" Josh suggested "I'll cross and every step I take is a goose we owe you"

"You'll try to cheat Buka" Buka accused "you'll try to fly or not step on Buka's bridge"

"I can't fly" Josh said with a laugh "but how about we ease your worry. I will carry everyone over the bridge. Each step I take is one goose for you.

Buka took a moment to think about this. Josh glanced at Blake, the young groundskeeper didn't look happy at the intrusion. He didn’t object however, staying silent while Buka finished thinking.

“Deal” Buka decided “but no flying. Flying is cheating”

“Deal” Josh said with a chuckle “and no going back on our deal”

The troll nodded and stepped to the side, allowing the group to step forward.

“I hope you know what you’re doing,” Blake said once they reached the bridge.

“Sorry about that” Josh said sincerely “I can handle this no problem. We’ll reimburse you for the price of the geese”

“Fine with me” Blake shrugged “Try to get the number under forty, we only have so many geese on the property”

“Won’t be anywhere near that amount” Josh said confidently, then turned to the group “Who wants to cross first?”

“Take me across first” Eve said “Elijah after that”

“Why me?” Elijah argued

“You can help me scout on the other side” Eve said with finality

Josh turned around and squated picking up Eve piggyback. Stepping up to the first step of the bridge, strands of Eve’s hair began to rise. Josh channeled his divine energy throughout his body, static crackle on his skin as his muscles tensed. Josh jumped across the bridge, his enhanced strength allowing him to clear over half the bridge in a single leap. The jock landed roughly on the wooden planks, Buka could be heard shouting from the side of the river.

“This was good thinking” Eve said, “I don’t think many humans have strength like yours in this world”

“Thank you” Josh said, waiting for the light sting in his legs to fade

“I couldn’t get in touch with Lance this morning” Eve revealed

“Why not?” Josh asked “Did they not answer?”

“Our communicator isn't working on the preserve” Eve said “There must be some interference from the magic boundaries. I used the landline to call the motel but there no one answered”

“Should we be worried?” Josh asked, crouching

“Not yet” Eve said “Depending on what happened last night they might not be at the motel. Until we know otherwise we should assume they are out hunting the killers”

Josh jumped again, easily covering the remaining distance. Landing easier on the dirt path, Josh let Eve down on her feet.

“Try the communicator when we get to the hamlet” Josh directed “Maybe they had something by the cabin blocking it”

“Will do” Eve nodded “Have fun carrying everyone over”

Josh grunted before turning and jumping over the bridge, without the extra body he was able to cross the bridge in one leap.

“You cheat!” Buka shouted when Josh landed “You can fly!”

“I;m just jumping Buka” Josh defended “You have one goose now. They’ll start adding up”

“Buka want new deal!” the troll shouted

“You agreed to this deal” Blake said firmly “You have to stick with the determined conditions”

The troll made a loud growling sound in anger but did not interfere.

Josh took Elijah over next, followed by Louie, then Skye. Each trip earning Buka one goose each

When Josh returned to pick up Crystal he saw Blake had a worried look on his face.

“Everything alright” the jock asked

“I forgot to tell you,” Crystal said “Mickey came by last night asking about our trip. I was just telling Blake”

“Mickey is a talkative man” Blake said “he also has a habit of forcing himself into other people’s business. I hope he’s not considering helping us”

“Wouldn’t he have done something before we left?” Josh asked

“Maybe not” Blake said “he’s supposed to be at the Tombstone today”

“Tombstone?” Crystal asked

“Where we keep the undead on the preserve” Blake explained

“We’re supposed to pass by there right” Josh said

“Yes” Blake groaned “So he might be waiting for us there”

“Is that a problem?” Crystal questioned

“No” Blake sighed “He’s a helpful guy and very positive . Just talks more than I like”

Josh chuckled and continued his trip across the bridge. When he brought Blake across, the much larger man’s weight caused Josh to need two more leaps on the bridge to get across. Buka came running over as soon as Blake stood on the path.

“Buka charging fifty geese for return trip” the troll said angrily

“Instead” Blake said calmly “How about in exchange for the return trip I go back to fifteen geese? If you don’t accept I will take them another way home”

The troll stomped the ground in frustration.

“Fine” Buka finally said and stomped back to his bridge

“He’s very different from the trolls in Harry Potter” Eve noted

“We really have no idea what to expect here” Josh sighed

“We will soon be entering the dire bear’s territory,” Blake said as the group continued walking “this might be the most dangerous area. The dire bears are skilled at luring people off the paths. Off the path the bears have the right to strike down anyone they find.”

“I thought we were protected by some treaty?” Elijah interrupted

“Entering certain territories can strip you of your protections” Blake said “I can’t say I know why, each preserve’s rules are different. Just stay on the path and you’ll be fine”

“What will they do to get us off the path?” Crystal questioned

“Intimidation usually” Blake said “One charges down the path in hopes of scaring people into the woods where others are waiting. They can’t get within 15 feet of us however and they must move aside for us. Stay calm and we will be safe”

“Be thankful we haven’t had a storm recently” Blake added “They’ve been known to purposefully fall trees onto the path and try to eat whoever comes to clear it. I’ve to deal with that twice, I had to get Randy, a talking bear, to come with me and move the tree. They won’t attack other bears”

“Why do they wait for storms?” Louie asked

“That kind of action can have consequences to those under the treaty” Blake explained “We can’t hold them accountable if there's reason to believe it wasn’t them”

A colossal roar overtook the team, bringing every member to a halt. A bear the size of an elephant slowly stepped down the path in front of them. Two glowing red eyes were locked onto the group. It let out a deep growl as it closed in.

“Remember” Blake warned “This is just an act, he cannot hurt you”

“Easy for you to say” Elijah complained “That thing is looking right at me”

“He will charge in a minute” Blake continued “Do not run. One foot off this path is certain death”

“I have some experience with bears” Louie mentioned “I can take it with one bullet”

“I don’t think one bullet is going to cut it” Josh said, gripping his hammer

With another earth shaking roar the dire bear charged the group. Josh's body blocked Elijah who had turned to run. The giant beast crossed the path quickly before letting out one more roar and stopping. Like Blake said the bear did not come within fifteen feet.

“Step aside” Blake ordered “We have to pass”

The monstrous bear let out one more ear piercing roar, and gingerly began to step to the side.

“Lets go quickly” Blake said, jogging forward

Josh held onto Elijah’s arm as they followed Blake. They ran through the forest, the calls of the dire bears began to sound from every direction. From the left a dire bear charged towards the path, jaw open wide. Crystal who was closest to the bear stepped to the side reflexively, nearly stepping off the path. The bear stopped before crossing the path and let out another roar.

“They’re more aggressive than usual” Blake growled

Another dire bear was charging down the path towards them.

Blake ran faster towards the bear and began to shout

“We are on business for the caretaker of this preserve. I order you to stop and leave us in peace”

The bear charging down the path slowed for a moment as if hesitating but then continued its sprint. Just before it closed in on Blake the bear jumped to the side, continuing along the side of the path.

“Dammit” Blake cursed “Just keep running”

The group continued their sprint ignoring the repeated feints from the bears.

“Mickey!” Blake suddenly yelled, pulling everyone's focus.

Down the path Mickey was standing proudly, sunlight beamed off a gleaming dagger he held above his head.

“I order you in the name of the caretaker” Mickey shouted “Leave us in peace!”

Suddenly the few bears that were approaching the group stopped, some tried to move forward but couldn't force their paws forward. With several huffs the dire bears began to turn and leave.

“What are you doing here?” Blake asked, coming to a stop in front of Mickey

“Thought you could use some help” Mickey beamed “I’m done with my chores for today and was in the area. You know how much I hate feeding the zombies, I could use a walk to relax”

“Thanks for taking care of those bears,” Josh said, coming up with the rest of the group.

“This isn’t a fun walk Mickey” Blake said

“That's why I brought this” Mickey laughed and held up the shining dagger.

“What is that?” Josh asked

“It’s called a Moon Dagger” Blake answered “It’s light drives away dark creatures”

“We keep one at the Tombstone” Mickey said “I brought it with me to make sure we have a safe trip”

“Why didn’t we get that?” Elijah asked angrily

“We only have one” Blake said “and it isn’t supposed to leave the Tombstone. It's our best defense against the undead and should stay where they are”

“I made sure everything was locked up” Mickey said “We’ll return it on the way back”

“If it keeps the bears away we need to keep it” Elijah spat

“The bears are gone because of his order” Blake said “The dagger will help for the rest of the trip”

“How come his order worked and yours didn’t?” Louie asked bluntly

“Brooke isn’t officially supporting our mission” Blake explained “I can’t use her authority without her support”

“But i’m out here doing my assigned job” Mickey added “So I have some authority out here”

“It wouldn't help if we had gone off the path here” Blake continued with a sigh “but I would appreciate it if you joined us Mickey”

“I’d love too” Mickey beamed

The group continued travelling through the woods, Mickey spending every moment he could talking. Louie had moved next to him and was regularly asking questions to steer the topic of Mickey’s ramblings. The Moon Dagger proved its worth as no other creatures approached the path. Several times cries of various beasts sounded but never closed in on the group. Josh stepped closer to Elijah as they walked.

“Has your psyche scan been working since we’ve been here?” he asked

“Yeah I’ve been scanning since we crossed the bridge” Elijah answered

“Blake told me there's some kind of distracting spell on the borders of the preserve” Josh said “I think that was affecting you when we were approaching”

“Eve told me” Elijah said

“Of course” Josh sighed

Several large stone buildings came into view, moss and weeds covering much of the structures. Total there were less than twenty buildings, built into a circle formation with a large tower in the center. Rising above even the tall trees around them, Josh was surprised they hadn’t seen part of the tower before.

“The tower is where Flint went” Blake said “It was the headquarters for the first settlers”

“Do we need to worry about traps?” Josh asked

“No we should be safe” Blake assured

Entering the tower the group spread out. Inside the tower was a large stone room with discarded furniture scattered about. Blake had explained earlier that the tower and several other buildings were used for storage by some caretakers.

“Josh!” Elijah called.

The psyche force user was standing next to a giant portrait of a man standing in front of a fireplace.

“What is it?” Josh asked as he jogged over

“There’s a tunnel behind this portrait going down” Elijah said “I can’t see past the opening, it just goes dark. There's some kind of distractor spell I think”

“There shouldn’t be anything underground,” Blake said as he approached. Mickey came up behind him frowning.

Josh stepped forward and tried to move the portrait, finding it wouldn’t budge.

“Any ideas on moving a magic portrait?” Josh asked

“There’s a key hole on the side here” Elijah noted, pointing at a small hole near the bottom corner

“We don’t have a key for that” Mickey said suddenly “This is probably not something we should be messin with. Could be cursed”