“That it was, Henry. And you met the challenge admirably.” Coralis removed his long coat for the first time since he arrived in the States. “It was also a test,” Coralis continued. “Everything that has happened to your father, your sister, your mother … you. It is all connected. The clues your mother left are leading us to where we need to be. But in a way, we are marionettes and several forces are pulling the strings. We have no choice. We must follow this thread to the end and see where it leads.” He smiled wanly. “This is some kind of adventure, isn’t it?”

Brianna looked up at him. “You’re kidding, right? My brother almost gets eaten by a giant squirrel, and that’s fun to you?”

“No, he’s right, Brianna,” Henry said confidently. “If that was a test, I passed it. But I also showed my hand. And so now they know what I can do.”

Coralis was impressed. “Indeed, our enemy will be wary.”

“So we should turn around and go home. Right?” Brianna said hopefully.

Henry laughed aloud. “No way! I just beat a giant squirrel! A giant squirrel!” Henry picked her up and rubbed her face in his. “Do you have any idea how good that feels? I can’t wait to see what’s next!”

“That’s the spirit, my boy!” Coralis clapped him on the back.

Brianna shook her head slowly. “I hope insanity doesn’t run in the family.”

Chapter Twenty-Four

The rays of the morning sun streamed through the window—an invitation to start the new day. Henry consumed a hearty breakfast consisting of a short stack of pancakes, two eggs, hash browns, and bacon. He ate the meal in enormous chunks, and incredibly fast.

“Can I have seconds?” he asked before he even finished swallowing the final bite.

“I thought only cows had four stomachs,” Brianna said from the seat next to Coralis. They had the dining car all to themselves, and she took advantage of the few precious moments alone to stretch out in public.

“How did you know that, young lady?” Coralis was only halfway through his serving. As he watched Henry, the same thought had occurred to him.

“He’s not the only one who watches animal shows,” she said indignantly.

“I can’t help it! I don’t think I’ve ever eaten this much in my entire life!” he said with a huge smile. “Maybe I’m finally going through that growth spurt that Mom has been promising me.” He stood and examined his pants. “I think I am! Look, don’t they look shorter than yesterday?”

“They’re different pants, doofus.” Brianna laughed.

Henry blushed and quickly sat down, getting a chuckle from Coralis. “Brain energy consumes a lot of calories. You’ve had a busy few days, but the next few will really put you to the test. So by all means, eat up, young man.”