But now the waters were silently churning into a whirlpool where Tedros’ pebble had sunk, mirroring the circle of towers above. The waters spun faster, faster, like a spinning wheel at work . . . so fast that a creamy white foam spewed from the pool’s eye, building, thickening into a human shape . . .

A ghostly, silver-haired nymph in white robes floated out of the waters and into the sky, raising her head to her guests. She had chalk-white skin, a long nose, and big black eyes that fixed on Tedros, before her crimson lips curled into a smile.

“Never made another one quite like it,” she said.

For a moment Tedros thought she was talking about him, only to realize she was looking at his sword.

“Excalibur . . . you made it . . . you’re the Lady of the Lake!”

The nymph smiled, turning to Merlin. “Hello, handsome. It’s been a while,” she cooed in a low, husky voice. “Let me guess. You need something.”

“Excuse me if you’re a bit far out for social visits, but I wouldn’t come unless it was a serious matter,” Merlin replied.

“Another sword? A life-extension potion? Or a holy grail this time?” the nymph huffed. “Come to the lonely Lady and she’ll do magic on command!”

“I need to ask for the same thing I asked for two others once upon a time,” spoke Merlin, stark and firm. “That you hide these children in your shelter as long as they need it.”

The Lady of the Lake stopped smiling. A fraught moment passed between the two sorcerers.

“Merlin, dear. You do know what you’re asking,” she said darkly.

The wizard’s eyes flicked to Tedros for a moment before he looked back at the nymph. “Indeed.”

Sophie glanced at Agatha, utterly lost, and Agatha shrugged back, just as befuddled.

The Lady of the Lake took a deep breath and gazed hard at the four students. “Well? Come on then, children. The waters are warm.”

“Waters? You want us to swim?” Hort blurted, peering over the edge of the lake. “How are we supposed to live underwat—”

Merlin groaned and pushed him in.

Hort was sucked through the water with a blast of white light before he vanished under the surface entirely.

Agatha, Sophie, and Tedros all gawked at Merlin.

The wizard smiled. “Why do you think water was always the portal in Merlin’s Menagerie?”

He thrust out his hands and the three students went flying into the lake headfirst. Light detonated in Sophie’s eyes and she felt her whole body swarmed by gooey heat, water all around her and yet not touching her, like she was protected by an invisible womb. Deeper and deeper she sank into the lake until all at once the waters receded and she was on solid ground in a glare of sunlight, completely dry and curled up like a baby.

“Where are we?” said Agatha’s voice above her.

Sophie craned to see Agatha with Hort and Tedros standing on a lush green moor, the grass so green and dewy it sparkled under the melting sun. Sophie stood and saw they were surrounded by more green heaths, with sheep, cows, and horses grazing freely, as if they’d found a haven from the dying Woods.