* * *
On our way over to my house, Anthony makes the phone call to Maureen. She buys our plan without hesitation.
“Smart thinking, Anthony,” she says. She isn’t pleased to hear that all the flights are full, but of course our flight story is very believable since it is the start of everyone’s summer vacation.
Back at my house, I rummage through my room, pick up a few of my favorite outfits, some jewelry and some extra pajamas and stuff them in my large duffle bag. The house looks exactly the same as the last time I was here, but for some reason the air-conditioner has been turned off, and the house feels as hot and humid as a sauna. Before getting into the car, I pick up the black birthday envelope I received in the mail.
“What’s that?” Anthony asks when I open it. He turns the engine on and lowers the temperature on the temperature control. It’s a sweltering day already.
“I’m not quite sure yet. When Olaf visited me in my dream, or vision, or whatever it was, he referred to this envelope, saying there were instructions in it of what to do next.”
“Olaf sent you this?” Anthony asks.
“Yes.” I begin reading it.
Happy eighteenth birthday, Sonia. From Olaf and Maureen.
I flip the card over, searching for any other writing, and on the back I see a PO Box number. “That’s it?” I’m highly disappointed.
“Well, let’s not worry about it anymore. Actually, can I see it?” He grabs it from me and then flings the envelope and card out the window.
“What did you do that for?” I ask.
“There might be a tracking device on it, so we wouldn’t want that on our road trip,” Anthony says.
“Oh,” I say, feeling stupid that I let my curiosity possibly put us in jeopardy.
“While you were inside, I contacted Skuld again, and she says she’s on her way to New York with the other two Lightálfars. We’ll travel together up to New Hampshire and to Wraithsong Island.”
“Great,” I say, but I’m suddenly very nervous to meet them.