“It’s all right,” said Effie. “I’ll walk. Is it far?”

“About five minutes in that direction, then across the square in the village and turn right. You can’t miss it after that. It’s a white two-story house. Quite big.”

Effie followed the guard’s instructions. It was warm, as usual, with the steady hum of bees and the sweet smell of summer flowers. The quiet roads were dusty as always. Effie didn’t see anyone else as she made her way to the Lodge. It certainly was big. It had gates made of wrought rose gold and a gently sloping garden with pink magnolia trees all in bloom. The house was a pleasingly imperfect white oblong, with three windows on its top level and two large windows on either side of an inviting-looking large front door. There were twelve steps leading up to the entrance, which had green stained glass with art nouveau patterns of flowers and trees. The house was shaded from the sun by the branches of the magnolias. Their silvery bark calmly reflected the sunlight. It was an extremely peaceful place.

A woman appeared at the door.

“Hello, Effie,” she said.

It was Suri. Did this mean Effie was in more trouble?

“Hello,” said Effie.

Suri smiled warmly. “You’ve done it,” she said. “I always knew you would. You managed to discover the Flow, even though it’s almost impossible for islanders to find it. Anyway, welcome. Please come in. There are others here who have also recently found the Flow. All Otherworlders, but I think you’ll like them. You’ll be seeing a lot of them in the next few months They’re your fellow Apprentices.”

Effie walked into the front hall of the house. It smelled of pink lilies and open fires. Through an arched white doorway she could see an elegant party in full swing. There were several children around Effie’s age, each with animal ears and beautiful hair and clothes. There were girls, boys and people who didn’t seem to want to manifest themselves as either. They all looked very happy.

“Everyone from Truelove House is here to celebrate with you,” said Suri. “We’ll talk later about how I’m going to mentor you from now on. You’ll be taking classes here with me.”

“But Cosmo—”

Effie hadn’t realized until this moment that she’d thought of Cosmo as her mentor and guide. Had he rejected her for being too much of a disappointment? Was she not welcome at Truelove House anymore? Perhaps that was what all this was about. . . .

“Hello, child,” came Cosmo’s voice. “I’m glad to see you back.”

“Please join us when you’re ready,” said Suri, smiling warmly and leaving Effie and Cosmo in the front hallway. There was a mint green sofa by the table where the pink lilies were. Cosmo indicated that they should sit down.