Chapter 55

(Trust Opens The Door.)

They ate a light snack of cheese and crackers and washed it down with grape juice.

Maverick and Bruce talked about Goblin Land by the window.

Buttercup, who had prepared the snacks, was still in the kitchen, and Opal had gone to see if she required any assistance. Doug sat by the drawn bamboo shutters at his laptop downloading some pictures to his National Geography page, a half filled glass and a plate of crumbs joined his camera on the small table.

Hercules had his earphone in his ears, sliding his fingers along the face of his smartphone, trying to look as inconspicuous as possible.

Moonstruck had gone outside. She did so most nights since returning, and one assumed she wanted to be alone, to look across the river at her Village, which she could not visit.

"Well, I think I will now take my leave and take these with me."

Maverick stood and gathered the stone tablets in his hands.

There were no objections.

"Goodnight everyone. It has been a p