Entry 23: Inside the Tree – “Hallways” – August 19th, 2023 – 8:42 PM
We got back inside the tree. The underwater tunnel was a little touch and go, but nothing we couldn’t handle. Maisel and I came up with the beginnings of a plan for rescuing Murlocke.1
| 1. Note: 80% of 100% of plans are improvised, so why bother spending 75% of your time trying to perfect that 20% when you could be executing on the 80% -Maisel2 |
| 2. Note: I have so many emotions reading this and none of them are pleasant – Sasheen3 |
| 3. Note: I’m glad to hear so much thought went into saving my life. – Murlocke |
At this point, the plan boils down to:
- Figure out where the angler is holding Murlocke. (We’re guessing somewhere it thinks is secure.)
- Break Murlocke out.
- Destroy the angler’s heart and/or escape.
– Sasheen
Entry 24: Inside the Tree – Bank of Harrington – August 19th, 2023 – 8:49 PM
Okay, we found our way to the Bank of Harrington. Despite being a small building, it was pretty detailed; every part of the exterior was beautifully designed, from the two columns that stood guard on either side of the entrance to the detailed brick designs that made up the walls.
We came to the bank because we guessed the angler would bring Murlocke somewhere safe, and where in Harrington is more secure than the bank? (Well, maybe the jail, but it would already know that no mere cell can hold the Neighbourhood Watch.)
Sasheen! Hurry up! We’re running out of time, and we still need to figure out how to break into A BANK and rescue Murlocke.
I’m right behind you. Would you give me a break?
Maisel ran to the front doors and tugged on one of the handles. It didn’t budge.
How are we supposed to get in now?
I examined the outside of the bank, looking for a way in. I wasn’t entirely surprised it didn’t open. Like any predator, the angler would want to protect its prey while it eats.
We don’t even know that he’s in there. What if we wasted all this time trying to get in, and he’s somewhere else?
I followed the chiselled edges of the cedar walls with my eyes. The craftsmanship was remarkable. The brick formations contained little patterns that, when viewed up close, could be standalone works of art. However, when placed next to each other, they created a stunning design that took up the whole wall.
Sasheen, what are you looking for? Are you listening?
My eyes drifted across the bank’s exterior before catching on something— A break in the pattern at the bottom left-hand side of the wall. The difference was barely noticeable. It would be practically impossible to see if you didn’t know where to look.
There, Maisel!
I foolishly forgot to be angry with her.
What am I looking at? It all looks the same.
Come on, look. Don’t you remember the story of the ‘Ghost Thief?
Yeah, so what? Some woman stole a bunch of money from the bank in the 80s, and nobody could figure out for years how she did it. Boorrriiing. There aren’t even any actual ghosts involved.
Well, do you remember how she got in and out? Think, Maisel.
She just dug a hole, right?
Well, yes and no. The Ghost Thief was one of the architects who built the bank. She purposely designed a flaw in one of the walls: a secret passage. In the middle of the night, after the bank was built, she removed the bricks in this section,
I pointed to where the pattern broke.
Based on how old we think this angler is, it’s likely that the flaw still exists in this replica bank.
I love you, you little nerd.
Hey, none of that. Angry thoughts only.
I couldn’t help but smile back.
Maisel pulled at one of the bricks in the flawed section, but it didn’t budge. She tugged at it again and— CRACK. The brick popped out, revealing a dark hole behind it. She looked over at me, wide-eyed.
I joined her, and we ravenously ripped out the bricks. Moments later, we were looking at a hole large enough for us to enter. Maisel raised one finger in a shushing motion.
Quiet as a… ghost.
She disappeared into the darkness.
Entry 25: Inside the Tree – Bank of Harrington – August 19th, 2023 – 8:53 PM
Maisel and I felt our way through the pitch-black darkness. I couldn’t pause to think, or it would become overwhelming. I just wanted to lie down on my back and close my eyes.
Let whatever would come, come.
* * *
I was lost once. Truly lost, that is.
My Girl Guides troop was on a hike down Spotter’s Ravine. My house overlooks Spotter’s, so back then, the ravine was simply an extension of my backyard, somewhere I could play and explore without worry.
On the hike, I became distracted by a little white bunny poking its head out of its burrow. I didn’t mean to stray, but I wanted to get a closer look. As I approached, it didn’t run away. It looked up at me, tilting its head, practically begging me to play. I felt an instant attachment, so I crouched and shuffled towards its burrow, extending my hand as a peace offering.
I was inches from petting its fluffy head when I heard a crunch beneath me. The underbrush gave way, and I slid down a muddy path until eventually coming to a stop in a small alcove enclosed by trees and underbrush. Even though it was the middle of the afternoon, the various roots, bushes, and shrubs were so tightly knit together above me that they completely blocked out the sun, leaving me surrounded by darkness.
My right ankle burned— It felt like fire. I had never experienced pain like that. Any pressure applied to it made my vision blurry. So, rather than try to climb out, I waited.
And waited.
And waited.
And waited.
But no one came,
And afternoon turned to evening.
– Sasheen
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