“I guess the caramels make you like a chameleon,” Pigeon said.
“And the Spider Bites let me climb walls and spit webs,” Trevor said. “They make my throat feel kind of phlegmy, though.”
Ziggy and Mozag unlocked a neighboring door. Ziggy went in. When he came out, he had shrunk back to his regular size and was accompanied by his twin brother.
“Where’s John?” Pigeon asked.
“He went ahead with Tallah to clear the way,” Mozag said. “I almost feel bad for any hirelings who resist. It has been a long while since I’ve seen John in a mood like this.”
“Should we blow this joint?” Victor asked.
Mozag gave a nod. “It’s time.”
*****
When Nate reached Arcadeland, the first person he noticed was Summer flying above one of the miniature golf courses. Nate glided over to her, and she paused in midair to greet him.
“You’re here!” he exclaimed. “You’re flying!”
Summer grinned. “Tallah escaped with jet and racer stamps. She’s double stamping anybody who shows interest. She’s over by the Eiffel Tower.”
“How are Pigeon, Trevor, and everyone?”
“All free. Mozag, John, Victor, Roman, the Tanks, the Racers, the Subs.”
“What about Jonas?”
“Mozag took care of him,” Summer said. “We’re just finishing up with his employees.”
“And the regular customers?”
“Most of them have been blinded by the cheese. I guess alarms were going off, and people assumed it meant a fire. There are some folks out front in the parking lot. Otherwise we’re all clear.” Summer looked past Nate to Lindy and Risa. “Where’s Chris?”
“He’s making sure the bad guys at Mt. Diablo don’t cause any more trouble,” Nate said.
“I see my dad,” Lindy said.
Nate looked to where an ice cream truck had rammed through one of the side fences. It currently sat idle near the Taj Mahal hole on the miniature golf course. Mr. Stott was behind the wheel.
“Go,” Summer said. “He’s been worried.”
Lindy sped off in that direction.
Nate turned to Risa. “Can you help Summer? I’m out of Peak Performance, so I might as well go add a racer stamp.”
“Go for it,” Risa said.
Summer nodded toward the ice cream truck. “Mr. Stott insisted on coming. He seemed especially anxious about Lindy.”
Nate watched as Lindy reached the ice cream truck. She flew inside, and Mr. Stott clasped her to him. The old mage’s eyes were closed as he held her. Even at a distance Nate could read the relief in his expression.
“I guess I should go get that stamp,” Nate said.
“There may not be much else to do,” Summer said. “This is over.”
Nate smiled. “Then I’ll get it for fun.”
Epilogue
Breakfast for Dinner
Later that evening, everyone gathered at the Sweet Tooth Ice Cream and Candy Shoppe. With the store closed, they had pushed the furniture together to form a single massive table where they could all sit and converse. Nate sat toward the center of the long table. Summer, Pigeon, Trevor, and Lindy occupied seats nearby. Chris and Risa had joined the meal as well. They had tried to talk Roman into coming, but he had chosen to sulk instead. The Battiatos were present, as was John Dart. Ted and Celia Graywater had agreed to attend, and although William had declined his invitation, he sent along his gratitude to Nate.
Mr. Stott and Mozag had spent all afternoon whipping up food for the meal. Nate could hardly believe the variety of treats—banana pancakes, caramel waffles, ebleskivers, toasted bagels, English muffins, omelets, scrambled eggs, hash browns, bacon, sausage, fruit smoothies, hot chocolate, milk, juice, various syrups and preserves, margarine, butter, honey, dulce de leche, and fresh whipped cream all vied for attention.
Standing at the head of the table, Mr. Stott tapped a fork against a glass to summon attention. “I’d like to welcome everyone out to our impromptu victory feast.”
The statement drew a noisy cheer.
Mr. Stott held up his hands. “When a crisis is averted, it is indeed cause for celebration. I’m profoundly impressed with your efforts to keep our world safe. I believe Mozag would like to share some words with you.” Motioning to Mozag, Mr. Stott sat down.
Mozag stood. He wore his Cubs hat and munched on a fat, crisp strip of bacon. “I have been a mage for a very long time. Only an extremely large birthday cake would accommodate the necessary candles. On occasion, I have been asked the secret of my success. My automatic reply is, ‘Surround yourself with good people.’” He gestured around the room. “Tonight I am surrounded by good people. Thank you for rescuing me, and thank you for protecting all of humanity from Jonas White.”
They all applauded enthusiastically.
“I’m grateful to Sebastian Stott for hosting this gathering,” Mozag continued. “He is not only a fine mage but also a fine cook. Tonight we will feast as the kings of old could only have dreamed, although I’m a little disappointed that some of you neglected to take me up on my more exotic offerings.”
“We want it all,” Victor said. “The stuffed figs taste amazing. The huevos rancheros look perfect.”
“I can’t wait for the Salmon Benedict,” Ziggy said.
“I found some truly fine smoked salmon,” Mozag confided.
“With you as our employer, we would work for food,” Victor gushed.
“It was a rough week, but after tonight we’ll call it even,” Ziggy enthused.
Mozag gave them a grateful nod. “Always helps to bring your own cheering section. In all seriousness, the people at this table, especially the children, went above and beyond to keep our world safe from harm. You all deserve my protection, my gratitude, and my goodwill. Call upon me for favors and you will not be refused. But one of you deserves special recognition. Would Nathan Sutter please come forward?”
Nate looked up and down the table. He hadn’t expected this. “Everyone helped,” he said. “Trevor, Summer, and Pigeon all took huge risks. Chris, Risa, and Lindy came with me after Uweya.”
“And they all have my thanks,” Mozag said. “Particularly Lindy, who handled the revelation about her past with grace and maturity. Like some of the best people I employ, she understands that she need not be defined by her past. We are who we choose to become.”
Lindy wore a faltering smile. Nate felt bad for her. She had been quieter than usual since they had left Arcadeland. Right now it looked like she wished she could crawl under the table and hide.