What happened Serge asked groggily looking around A nearby window faced the courtyard I could see the mango tree I’m not sure but be careful I said I made a warning face at him and nodded toward the Loogaloo When Serge noticed the towering monster next to him staring trance like at me he flinched and his eyes grew wide I slowly backed away from the Loogaloo and gestured for Serge to follow Serge didn’t budge Maybe the spell he’d been under had scrambled his brain a bit I had to get him out of there safely 2
C’mon I tugged on his wrist and his drum slipped out of his grip It hit the floor with a thud that sounded like a single drumbeat The Loogaloo snapped out of its daze and noticed that Serge was no longer under its control Uh oh Let’s go let’s go I shouted even though I had no idea whether we could outrun an eight foot tall wolf To my relief the Loogaloo stumbled forward a few steps and then stopped right at the edge of a wide chalk circle drawn on the floor The Loogaloo made eye contact with Serge for a second before looking away in what seemed like despair 3
It can’t step beyond the circle Serge said weakly pointing to the chalk outline on the floor How do you know I asked I’m not sure how I know but I know he said Circle or no circle I wasn’t taking any chances I grabbed Serge and we raced out of the room down the hallway through the exit and into the courtyard As we ran I realized that we’d left Serge’s drum behind but it was too late to go back We passed the pond and I heard footsteps pounding behind us I turned around and gasped It was the man with the powdery white face I’d seen earlier 5
