Chapter Four

Morning came quickly. I woke to the bustling noises of the Kwaterdwarves in their daily routine. I sat up and boldly rang the bell. I figured that’s why they had given it to me. Only a few minutes had past when two female kwaterdwarves appeared. I spoke softly, “Would it be possible to get some breakfast for my friends and me?” Never uttering a sound, they simply nodded their heads. The funny part was I heard them in my head say, “Certainly.” Vicki was the first to stir after me, quickly followed by Carl. I told them that food was on its way.
“So what do you really think of all this, Ruff?”
“I don’t really know what to think, but I do know that we have got to figure out how to get home.”
“I know what I think,” Vicki piped up.
“What’s that Vic?” I said.
“I think that Debry is hiding something.”
“What makes you think that? I haven’t seen her act suspicious or anything did you Carl?”
“No, but that doesn’t mean anything.”
“Let’s just say it’s a hunch. I mean it couldn’t hurt to keep your eyes open, or should I say your gut?”
“Know somethin’ Vic your absolutely right.”
The food arrived the same way it did the evening before, under a covered tray and very refined. As well, it was wonderful. Their cuisine was similar to ours. The meats were of a different variety, and frankly, since they were so good, we didn’t bother to ask. They had eggs; potatoes, bread, and the meat tasted something like ham. We hadn’t finished eating when Debry knocked on the door. “Come in,” I answered.
“I didn’t sleep well last night, “she began “I couldn’t get your problem off of my mind. I mean that completely crazy closet story. I wrestled with it for quite some time when it dawned on me. Perhaps it was the quartz that brought you here.”
“What are you talking about, Debry?”
“Well, you see Ruffleford, the stone you call quartz is our most precious gem here on Dhghem. It has many more uses than the Keliwall. Its power here is immeasurable. With it our lifeline is renewed, our energy refreshed; anything containing energy becomes enhanced. Maybe, just maybe your atmosphere and our atmosphere experienced a weakness at the exact same time. At that moment, you were in the right place at the right time; or wrong place if you care to look at it that way, and you simply crossed over. After all you do have a power about you.”
“I agree with Debry, if the quartz has such a strong effect here and some kind of doorway opened – anything could’ve happened.” Vicki voiced excitedly.
“But Vicki I…”
“Ruffy! You must remember those wonderful C.S. Lewis books; who’s to say they are impossible?”
I shook my head in disbelief. I couldn’t believe that Vicki was talking like this. She was so sensible. She could figure out riddles and puzzles with ease. She could do all sorts of complicated math problems in her head. That’s right, without having a pencil and paper! Now I’m hearing her compare our experience to some silly fantasy book series about some kids that travel to this other world by strange devices.
“Vicki, Vicki, “I pleaded, “I can’t believe you said that. You know I don’t have any special powers. Also, the quartz has no real power at home, so it couldn’t have enhanced anything there. Furthermore I wasn’t trying to go anywhere, I was just trying to hide from you so I could pop out and scare ya.”
That’s just it, you were so hyped up about hiding there, and you even said, “I rushed in to make it before you saw me.” So now, your adrenaline is pumping from the excitement and the fall… Don’t you see?”
“No, I guess I don’t. I mean what did you say this world is called Debry?”
“Dhghem, why?”
“Because if you had said Narnia I think I would have fainted.”
Debry gave us all a very puzzled look.
Vicki explained, “It’s just a make believe place in those books I was talking about before.”
“Oh, okay. I think I’d better go I have a lot to do. Please just think about what I said, maybe we can fix both of our dilemmas.” Debry said softly
She walked out of the room and closed the door behind her. Somehow, I sensed that she was listening though through the door.
“Why must you always dissect everything?” Vicki retorted.
“Not now Vicki.”
“Why are you so quiet over there?” she directed at Carl.
“Not now Vicki.” I repeated.
“Arrrgh!” she said as she threw her arms up in the air.