Darley-city. Elizabeth Roide

Eighth chapter. "Returning to the Pineland"

- What do you think when you look in the mirror? - asked Emma Roide.

Mom and I stood in the room. The silence that surrounded them was so calm that you could think about anything. If you open the window, go to the balcony, the trill of the birds immediately came from everywhere. One breath of spring - and you are immersed in a wonderful atmosphere: from the roof to the west snow is dripping to the side of the house, the trees are picking up the green color for the leaves, the creek in the distance carries boats of local children...

- I'm dreaming. There remained those who treated me well. And here you are, Mom, and Dad, and Patrick, and the rest of the people. I'm much better here ... - I answered with joy in voice.

- Do you know how that world seems to me?

- Not. Probably more beautiful than what I saw?

- It’s like a fairy tale that I accidentally watched on television... - I do not remember the title.

- You also do not want to think about it?

- In reality, much more interesting. Grandmother told me. Is it good to wander among ghosts? No!

We went to the second floor to remove the extra decorations after the holiday. The next day I went to college. Dean of the Faculty of Journalism, Wallace Schneik distributed to all students present in the office, little book-invitations. On the booklet, which was in my hand, it was printed: “Love art? The gallery presents of paintings collection and sculptures of English ballerina and decorator Cheryl Style (1907-1978)”.

Professor of Art, Lewis Sheggington conducted an excursion with third-year students Oxford University.

- Picture "Portrait of a bearded man in a wide-brimmed hat" was created by Rembrandt van Rhine in 1633.

- It is necessary to write for the article (the newspaper “Los Angeles Times”).

- Of course, Elizabeth.

- Thank you, professor.

But at the most unexpected moment there was a nightmare - one after another of the 17-18 century paintings

began to turn into monsters. Professor Sheggington told everyone to go to the exit, close the doors in all rooms. Fiona Waterloo through the characters in reality sent messages. I received signals, took two steps to the wall, and went over that side of the mirror. The decor shone with light, invisible to visitors.

Patrick Errle saw that I had disappeared behind a haze changing color, and ran after me. Here is not too cold, if you go half the way, you can detect the melting of the snow. Spring comes every time, and no interference can prevent it.

The road that led to the palace resembled that field. The plants, like the figures, were black and white. I saw someone coming out from behind the wall. Someone turned out to be Mr. Sheggington.

- You scared me! - She said. - How did you get here?

- I was told that you can help us... - he said.

At this point, professor became lower and took the form of a voluminous oval. I was in a small

stupor, but soon recovered. Recovering, I asked a question.

- What happened?

- Elizabeth, everything is much worse than before.

- So what can I do?

- You are the only one who has a pendant. He is your defense, but he will also let her open the portal to other worlds. I'll hold you in secret.

I walked after Sheggington until I saw the gate and the stone walls of the palace. Those who stayed after Fiona Waterloo, settled in strange places. But no one examined the tower. Of windows of the highest tower on the terrain looked Christopher Alzberg, a man who escaped from your thoughts in the astral world. The mask he wore was velvet red, and preferring to look weird, never took off. Perhaps, for him everything was something like a masquerade performance with a variety of acts, with actions that took place alternately - one after another.